Day two of Ashley’s amazing wine trip to Napa. His insights and vision for the next iteration of the Aussie wine industry are absolutely what we need now.
Have a read and enjoy.
Day two of my Great Wine Capitals tour of the Napa Valley. It’s been many years since I’ve been to this amazing place (Disneyland of wine). It’s so impressive how Napa has mastered the whole wine tourism experience. No matter if its the local Mexican diner or cafe, people seem to know wine and they energetically promote the region. It feels like everyone is a sales person for Napa.
The price of land and grapes is mind blowing. I was told today the best of the best Cabernet Sauvignon can demand prices well beyond $10,000-$20,000/tonne. It would question why anyone would plant grape varieties that are not traditionally associated with Napa.
Located in the Dry Creek wine valley, I came across Unti Vineyards. Owned by Mick and his father George Unti. Unti Vineyards specialise in Italian grape varieties (Fiano, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and many others). Such a vineyard of this nature is rare in this neck of the woods…. but for me it was the ‘must do’ visit.
I wanted to know why they planted these varieties. Firstly, climate change was not even considered. Secondly, Mick not only had an amazing passion for Italian grape varieties, his knowledge and technical understanding of where these grapes originated from in Italy gave him a believable and fascinating story (it was hard not to buy wine from him).
I’ve been told by sommeliers in the USA, why would they buy an Australian Fiano when they could buy an Italian version? It’s a great point of consideration.
Mick taught me an important lesson today. It one thing to have deep understanding of what you do in your backyard (for Ricca Terra it’s growing Italian grape varieties in Australia). But it’s another thing to convince the world as to why we should be doing it…they don’t care unless we have a truly compelling reason.
Planting Italian grapes varieties (or other alternative grape varieties) in Australia based on the simple reason to mitigate climate change is a shallow strategy. For me, a strategy must also contain greater knowledge of history. Where do these varieties originate from and who are the greatest producers. What is the gap between the greatest and us….and what steps can be taken to close this gap? Pick one or two varieties and make them regional champions (Riverland could be Nero d’Avola & Vermentino). Can this be the path towards be more compelling?
Unti Vineyards is a prime example of how to successfully elevate minority grape varieties in a region traditionally known for Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s about passion, knowledge, focus and being exclusive.
Note: these posts are part of the funding conditions of my Great Wine Capitals bursary.
Thanks for reading, Ashley.
