First Ridge Wines has released two standout 2023 vintages, a Montepulciano and a Barbera, showcasing the depth and elegance of Italian varieties grown in Mudgee’s elevated vineyards. Crafted from a harvest marked by ideal conditions and exceptional fruit quality, these new releases reflect the vineyard’s ongoing commitment to producing distinctive, site-driven wines.
“The 2023 harvest period saw ideal conditions, with little to no rain, mild weather and slow ripening, producing grapes with perfect colour, concentration and tannin profiles, albeit later than normal,” says First Ridge owner and vigneron John Nicholas.
“We are very proud of these new wines. Our winemaker, James Manners, knows the vineyard well and continues to highlight the power and finesse of these Italian varieties and their suitability to our site.”
The First Ridge vineyard is home to a range of premium Italian varieties, including Montepulciano and Barbera, along with Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Vermentino, Prosecco and Fiano.
“We are extremely grateful to the work that the late Dr Richard Smart did for us in the early days when we established the vineyard,” explains Nicholas. “He had the experience, foresight and fortitude to build on the work of Mudgee vinicultural pioneer Carlo Corino who established these varieties in Australia in the 1970s.”
Both the 2023 First Ridge Barbera and Montepulciano were made in the same manner, with the objective of allowing the fruit to shine. The grapes were crushed to small fermenters, cold-soaked for 48 hours, and then inoculated. Moderate fermentation temperatures of around 22–24°C were maintained, with twice-daily pump-overs to extract colour and build depth of flavour.
“We continue to be optimistic about these varieties,” continues Nicholas. “Our customers at the Cellar Door and in the trade are curious about the wines, and keen to taste them. Our new ‘Prima Cresta Wine Club’ has proven to be a great conduit for gauging the demand for these varieties.”
Pricing & distribution: The First Ridge wines are available in select retail and restaurants in NSW and nationally at www.firstridge.com.au
- 2023 First Ridge Barbera (Mudgee, NSW): $45.00
- 2023 First Ridge Montepulciano (Mudgee, NSW): $45.00
For further information, samples or images please contact:
David Cumming at Define Wine Marketing & Communications: 0414 736 342 or david@definewine.com.au
Graeme Salt at First Ridge Wines: 0418 161 132 or graeme@firstridge.com.au
First Ridge is located at 577 Burrundulla Road on the outskirts of Mudgee at an elevation of 520m. The architecturally designed Cellar Door was opened in 2017 and overlooks the vineyard towards Mudgee. The wines are made by one of Mudgee’s most respected winemakers, James Manners. Additional plantings included Fiano and Pinot Grigio in 2015, Prosecco in 2017 and Montepulciano in 2018.
