We have recently released two standout 2023 vintages, a Montepulciano and a Barbera, showcasing the depth and elegance of Italian varieties grown in Mudgee’s elevated vineyards. Crafted from a harvest marked by ideal conditions and exceptional fruit quality, these new releases reflect the vineyard’s ongoing commitment to producing distinctive, site-driven wines.
The 2023 harvest period saw ideal conditions, with little to no rain, mild weather and slow ripening, producing grapes with perfect colour, concentration and tannin profiles, albeit later than normal.
We are very proud of these new wines. Our winemaker, James Manners, knows the vineyard well and continues to highlight the power and finesse of these Italian varieties and their suitability to our site.
The First Ridge vineyard is home to a range of premium Italian varieties, including Montepulciano and Barbera, along with Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Vermentino, Prosecco and Fiano.
We are extremely grateful to the work that the late Dr Richard Smart did for us in the early days when we established the vineyard. He had the experience, foresight and fortitude to build on the work of Mudgee vinicultural pioneer Carlo Corino who established these varieties in Australia in the 1970s.
Both the 2023 First Ridge Barbera and Montepulciano were made in the same manner, with the objective of allowing the fruit to shine. The grapes were crushed to small fermenters, cold-soaked for 48 hours, and then inoculated. Moderate fermentation temperatures of around 22–24°C were maintained, with twice-daily pump-overs to extract colour and build depth of flavour.