2021 Chalmers Dott. Pavana

The rarest grape in the Chalmers collection, Pavana caught Dr. Rod’s attention during a mid-1990s tenure at Udine University. Only a handful of pavana vineyards now remain in Italy, mostly in Valsugana which bridges Trentino and Veneto, but it was once widely planted in these areas when the region was part of Austria where much of the pavana wine was consumed. Being a light, perfumed and herbal red it wasn’t favoured by the Italian’s once the region passed to Italian rule so pavana became unviable and was removed from most vineyards.

Pavana joined the Chalmers collection in 2000 and after its proving ground through the Chalmers Project Label in Merbein producing super pretty light red fruited wines, it finally got the gong to be planted in Heathcote. Here it took on some more muscular tones due to the soil influence while still retaining the charm and delicacy of those wines so endearing in the project wines. The fact that this variety was singled out by Dr. Rod during the 1990s at a time when big, concentrated, heavily oaked reds were in fashion is a testament to his foresight.

2021 vintage was perfect for Pavana, naturally being a late ripener, it was hand picked late in the season, chilled overnight, with whole berry wild fermentation for 20 days. Basket pressed and kept in tank to retain optimum varietal expression and aged in bottle for 10 months before release.

For a variety that looks more like Pinot Noir and coming from a warm to hot climate like Heathcote, its future here in Australia we hope is a bright one! Red cherry, plum and cinnamon spice, vanilla bean and a muscular perfume. The palate is light on its feet, with ripe, bright, fresh and crunchy red berry fruit, a fine earth grip and delicate finish, bring on the duck! – Chalmers