Mudgee’s First Ridge Wines has unveiled two exciting new vintage wines: the 2024 First Ridge Pinot Grigio ($28) and the 2024 First Ridge ‘Alira’ Prosecco ($32).
The 2024 vintage in Mudgee arrived earlier than usual, with a notably dry season ensuring minimal disease pressure. This allowed the First Ridge winemaking team to harvest at optimal ripeness, preserving the grape’s vibrant natural acidity and exceptional quality.
As Mudgee’s sole Prosecco producer, First Ridge pioneered the variety in the region by grafting onto vines originally planted in 1997. “Prosecco is one of the fastest-growing varieties in the Australian market. It’s the first wine tasted by visitors at our cellar door, setting the stage for the story of our Italian varieties and their history in this region,” says owner and vigneron John Nicholas.
“Prosecco is now the eighth most-produced grape variety in Australia, and it thrives in Mudgee. Our Prosecco block, situated at approximately 600m elevation, benefits from a unique mix of shallow topsoil with basalt and quartz rock transitioning to deeper loams over neutral clays – ideal for producing high-quality, varietal fruit.”
“While we were the first to plant and produce Prosecco in Mudgee, other growers are now following suit. We look forward to seeing more winemakers working with this variety. Given its increasing demand, we believe Prosecco has a bright future in the region.”
Accompanying the new Prosecco release is the 2024 First Ridge Pinot Grigio. “As we introduce the 2024 Pinot Grigio, we are simultaneously harvesting the 2025 vintage,” says Nicholas. “This variety thrives on the higher slopes of Mudgee, and with James Manners’ deft winemaking touch, we are thrilled with the result.”
“Pinot Grigio has overtaken Sauvignon Blanc in market popularity, with a nine percent* growth in the retail sector. We see this trend reflected in our tourism visitors, who often seek out the variety upon arrival. Our goal is to craft a food-friendly Pinot Grigio – one that balances crisp acidity with delicate flavours.”
These new wines continue First Ridge’s commitment to producing premium, food-friendly Italian varieties, a tradition in Mudgee dating back to oenologist Carlo Carino’s influence in the 1970s. Italian varieties have found a loyal following among visitors and on-premise accounts across greater NSW. “With a warming climate, these varieties are proving exceptionally well-suited to Mudgee, allowing us to produce a premium, sustainable product,” reiterates Nicholas.
Pricing & distribution: The First Ridge wines are available in select retail and restaurants in NSW and online nationally at www.firstridge.com.au
- 2024 First Ridge Pinot Grigio (Mudgee, NSW): $28.00
- 2024 First Ridge ‘Alira’ Prosecco (Mudgee, NSW): $32.00
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
Photo: Amber Hooper
First Ridge is located at 577 Burrundulla Road on the outskirts of Mudgee. 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.
* Wine Australia