Corowa Free Press
24 February 2010
The year's vintage for Rutherglen Estates could be one of the best in the last five years according to senior winemaker Marc Scalzo.
"The whites are looking a lot fresher. The vines are looking good. At this stage it's looking like a good vintage," he told The Free Press.
"There haven't been as many extreme days as the recent drought years' conditions. It's more avaerage again. We appear to be getting that flavour and more balanced wines."
Located on the corner of the Murray Valley Highway and Great Northern Road, Rutherglen, Rutherglen Estates produce Marsanne, Viognier, Fiano and Pinot Grigio wines, along with traditional Rutherglen Red Shiraz Durif.
"We believe we grow what's suited to our region, with our warm summers and cool winters perfect for growing and freshness," Marc, whose qualifications include a B.App.Sc. Wine Science from CSU Wagga, said.
The estate's first crush was on January 29 and the eight to 10 week crushing period is an exciting time, with staff numbers increasing to eight.
The employees have most suitable backgrounds with their qualifications and experience: Along with Marc, there are Sally McIntire from the Hunter Valley region, Chris Skinner from WA, locals Johnathon Thompson, Aaron Wells and Bruce Lamkin, and Olivier Rochais, all the way from France.
"It's an exciting time of the year," March said. "It brings people who love wines together. We have seven or eight people working at this time each year." An estimaged 2,500 tonne of grapes on the 800-acres of vines at Rutherglenh Estates will have been harvested with this summer's crushing, with all wines made the estate-grown fruit.
