Mudgee’s First Ridge Wines has released its inaugural ‘Uova Bella’, an innovative blend of Fiano and Vermentino ($45).
The 2025 vintage in Mudgee proved exceptional, with mostly mild summer conditions and occasional showers keeping the vineyard vibrant and fresh. With an excellent crop, particularly of Fiano and Vermentino showing intense flavour, lifted aromatics and bright acidity, a small parcel was set aside to trial a new wine.
The grapes were fermented in a specially imported terracotta egg, inspired by ancient amphorae but with a modern, ovoid form. These vessels encourage a slow, gentle fermentation, enhancing texture and nuanced flavour.
The porous terracotta promotes natural movement of the juice, keeping the lees in suspension while allowing controlled oxygen transfer. This approach builds texture and varietal expression without the influence of oak.
“The aim was to explore these varieties, which have shown a strong affinity with the region,” says vigneron and owner John Nicholas. “We wanted a wine that speaks clearly of place, with texture and complexity that presents them in a new light.”
‘Uova Bella’ is a blend of 60 per cent Fiano and 40 per cent Vermentino. The slightly cloudy juice was transferred directly to the terracotta egg, where wild fermentation ran for three weeks. The wine then settled naturally and remained on lees to build texture and mouthfeel before bottling.
Pricing & distribution: The First Ridge wines are available in select retail and restaurants and online nationally at www.firstridge.com.au
2025 First Ridge ‘Uova Bella’ Fiano Vermentino (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. 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 and experienced winemakers, James Manners. Additional plantings included Fiano and Pinot Grigio in 2015, Prosecco in 2017 and Montepulciano in 2018.