New Frontiers as Vintage 2019 ends

Vintage 2019 started early for Alkimi Wines, not because of the warm weather, but rather that we have branched out from the later-ripening Rhone varieties into the more typical Yarra Valley varieties. These varieties include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and also a batch of single vineyard sparkling wine, which initiated the early start.  The sparkling needs to undergo a secondary fermentation and be allowed to sit and rest for a number of years. Unfortunately, it will not be released for quite some time to maximise the quality of the wine.

Like the sparkling, the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon have all been selected from premium vineyards in the “upper” Yarra Valley. I aim continue my winemaking philosophies with this range which is to make wines which are pure, simple and reflect the place from which the grapes came from.

This years’ Rhone Collection will feature Marsanne, Rosé and Grenache once again. I have also taken a portion of Marsanne aside and fermented it on the skins. An unusual process for white grapes; which are usually separated from their skins immediately after harvest. This wine is a bit of spin on the successful 2016 Marsanne “Intrèprede” which was also fermented on skins. This wine has taken on an orange colour (thanks to the skins), thus will be referred to as an orange wine when released in due time. 

We will shortly be releasing a dessert wine from 2018. This will be released in conjunction with the spring releases and it may even make some appearances with some wine dinners in the coming months. Stay tuned!

Now that all the ferments are complete and the wines are in barrel for the winter, we can turn our attention to promotional activities. We will be soon participating in the Autumn series of the Urban Wine Walk and also be participating in the final ever Game of Rhones event in Melbourne.
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And to keep the wine flowing, we will be announcing a few more dinners and events shortly for spring.