My interest in Italian grape varieties extends from the fact they can produce wines with an amazing range of flavours, textures and aromas.

A lot of these textures and flavours are unique to Italian varieties and offer an exciting point of difference to traditional French varieties that have dominated the focus of Australian winemaking in the past.

At Chrismont here in the Upper King Valley, we grow and make Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco , Arneis, and Marzemino. All of which have their own unique and exciting characteristics.

For example Marzemino, a variety with flavours of red berries and herbs followed by a tannin profile that has a distinct bitterness not too dissimilar to a good espresso or dark chocolate. These features are something quite unusual to what the typical consumer is used to, but as a winemaker it’s very exciting.

The focus on wines as a food item rather than standalone beverages gives the wine a more practical and purposeful edge.

Warren Proft, Winemaker, Chrismont Wines, Cheshunt, King Valley