Italy is famous for its rich winemaking heritage, offering a plethora of grape varietals cherished for centuries. Recently, several Italian grape varieties have found a new home in Australia. Innovative growers and winemakers have embraced these vines, cultivating them with passion and precision. Read on to discover the fascinating histories and modern-day cultivation of six notable Italian grape varietals: Nero D’Avola, Aglianico, Nero di Troia, Nebbiolo, Lambrusco and Vermentino, with a focus on their significance in the Australian wine landscape.
Vermentino
Vermentino, a white grape variety, thrives on the Mediterranean coasts of Sardinia and Liguria. Known for its light, aromatic, and refreshing wines, Vermentino often features citrus, herbal, and saline notes.
Vermentino has adapted well to Australia's diverse climates, particularly in regions with maritime influences. Vermentino, producing wines that are crisp, aromatic, and perfectly suited for Australia's warm weather. These wines typically exhibit bright citrus flavours, balanced acidity, and refreshing minerality, making them popular among Australian wine enthusiasts. Here at Black & Ginger we produce a light crisp and very tasty Vermentino named, The Gypsy, have you tried it?
Vermentino Vines, Alpine Valley's, Victoria
Lambrusco
Lambrusco is a red grape variety originating from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Traditionally known for its light, frothy, and often sweet wines, Lambrusco has a long history dating back to Roman times. The grape produces wines with vibrant fruit flavours, refreshing acidity, and generally made into a sparkling red. Lambrusco is also one of the very few red wine grape varietals with red flesh which means the colour is off the charts by the time it gets into a bottle.
In Australia, Lambrusco is gaining interest as winemakers experiment with this unique varietal. These Australian Lambrusco wines often exhibit flavours of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, with a lively effervescence that makes them incredibly approachable and enjoyable. Try Black & Ginger Pet Lamb for a truly Australian take on Lambrusco.
Hadyn processing our Lambrusco grapes, 2022
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is the esteemed grape behind Italy's famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines from the Piedmont region. Known for its high tannins, acidity, and complex aromas of spice and roses, Nebbiolo produces some of Italy's most sought-after and long-lived wines.
Hadyn and Darcy checking the progress of our 2021 Nebbiolo before bottling.
Nero D’Avola
Nero D’Avola, from Sicily, is often called "the Black Grape of Avola." Its origins trace back to the ancient Greeks, who colonised Sicily around 800 BC. Known for its robust and full-bodied nature, this grape produces wines with deep colour, rich fruit flavours, and notable tannic structure.
In Australia, Nero D’Avola has found a favourable environment, particularly in warmer regions mimicking Sicily's climate. Pioneers like Chalmers and Ricca Terra have been instrumental in nurturing this varietal. Chalmers, with vineyards in Heathcote and the Murray Darling, produce Nero D’Avola wines that are bold and nuanced, showcasing dark cherry, plum, and spice characteristics. We sourced Nero D'Avola from Chalmers in Persephone, House Red Blend.
Aglianico
Aglianico is a noble grape with ancient roots in Southern Italy, particularly Campania and Basilicata. Often called the "Barolo of the South," Aglianico is celebrated for its deep colour, high acidity, and firm tannins, making it suitable for ageing.
In Australia, Aglianico has gained attention for its potential to produce high-quality wines in hot, dry climates. Ricca Terra in the Riverland have experimented with Aglianico, yielding wines with vibrant acidity, rich dark fruit flavours. Their examples demonstrate the varietal's adaptability and promise of producing complex, age-worthy wines in Australia.
Nero di Troia
Nero di Troia, also known as Uva di Troia, originates from the Puglia region in southeastern Italy. This grape is known for producing wines with deep colour, moderate acidity, and a complex aromatic profile featuring floral and dark fruit notes.
Although less common than other Italian varietals, Nero di Troia is slowly making its mark in Australia. Innovative growers like Ricca Terra are exploring its potential, focusing on how it thrives in warmer climates similar to its native Puglia. These efforts are starting to yield wines that balance richness with elegance, offering a unique addition to Australia's diverse wine portfolio.
The introduction and cultivation of Italian grape varietals in Australia are a testament to the country's dynamic and innovative wine industry. Pioneering growers like Chalmers and Ricca Terra have played crucial roles in this journey, bringing the rich heritage and distinctive flavours of Nero D’Avola, Aglianico, Nero di Troia, Nebbiolo, Lambrusco and Vermentino plus many more to Australian soils. As these varietals continue to thrive, they offer Australian wine lovers a taste of Italy with a unique local twist, enriching the diversity and complexity of the country's wine offerings.