Mother Block 'Skin Contact' White Blend, Murray Darling, Australia

Lively tropical fruit, citrus zest, and savory herbal tones unfold immediately in the 2024 Mother Block Skin Contact, a textured and energetic white blend inspired by the traditions of Mediterranean skin-contact winemaking. Fermented on skins to amplify structure, aromatics, and complexity, the wine balances bright freshness with chalky grip and layered phenolics. Produced from Chalmers’ extensive collection of Italian grape varieties grown in the warm Murray Darling climate, this bottling reflects both experimental curiosity and a long-term commitment to sustainable viticulture and alternative varietals suited to Australia’s future.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Bart van Olphen
  
• Varieties: 43% Vermentino, 26% Fiano, 16% Ansonica, 7% Pecorino, 6% Falanghina, 2% Moscato Giallo
  
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
  
• Production Size: 980 dozen
  
• Farming Practices: Certified Sustainable, Vegan
  
• Vineyard: Chalmers Estate Vineyard
  
• Soil Type: Limestone, red sandy loam with limestone base
  
• Elevation: 42–48 meters
  
• Harvest: A combination of machine and hand harvesting over 17 days
  
• Fermentation: Wild yeast fermentation on skins for 10–21 days, depending on variety
  
• Aging: 4 months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks
  
• Vinification: Co-fermented field blend, unfined and unfiltered
  
• Closure: Stelvin

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with expressive aromas of pineapple, feijoa, guava, lemon zest, lime, Vietnamese mint, coconut husk, and river stone minerality. Medium-bodied and vibrant, the palate combines juicy cantaloupe and custard apple with bitter lemon, almond, pistachio, and hazelnut nuances. Textural skin-contact phenolics provide chalky grip and savory complexity while preserving freshness and energy. Herbal undertones and saline minerality carry through a bright, refreshing finish with lingering citrus and subtle bitterness.

Winemaker’s Background:

The Mother Block range sits at the core of the Chalmers family’s groundbreaking work with Italian grape varieties in Australia. Over the last two decades, the Chalmers estate vineyard in Merbein has become both a working vineyard and an important propagation source for climate-appropriate Mediterranean varieties now planted across the country. Focused on sustainable farming, water conservation, and varietal diversity, the Chalmers family has played a pioneering role in reshaping Australian viticulture for warmer climates. Under the guidance of winemaker Bart van Olphen, the wines emphasize freshness, texture, and minimal intervention while celebrating the versatility of Italian varieties in Australian terroir.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or universal glass to highlight its aromatic complexity and textured palate. Excellent with green prawn curry, grilled vegetables, mezze platters, fresh cheeses, seafood pasta, or herb-driven Mediterranean cuisine. Its combination of freshness and phenolic grip also makes it particularly versatile with richly spiced or umami-forward dishes.