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The Vineyard
Rockleigh Vineyard, just 5km south of Young in
the Hilltops Region of New South Wales, was a neglected plum
orchard when it was acquired by Chalkers Crossing. The orchard
was converted to a modern 10ha vineyard in late-1997 with the planting
of Riesling, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The first
crop from these vines was harvested in early-2000. Chris Allcock
is the company’s
full-time professional viticulturist and he is charged with ensuring
that the grapes we produce are of the highest possible quality.
The
red sandy loam soils of the Hilltops Region were recognised
long ago as prime land for growing stone fruits, particularly
cherries. Young is known as ’The Cherry Capital of Australia’,
although many different fruits are grown in the region. The combination
of fertile soils, reliable rainfall and a Mediterranean continental
climate makes the Hilltops Region ideal for growing premium quality
grapes for wine production.
Wine grapes were first planted in the Region in the late-1800's
during the gold rush era. The industry fell into decline until
the 1980's when grapes were planted in what is now McWilliams'
Barwang vineyard. In the past twenty years there has been an
acceleration of wine grape plantings in the Hilltops with over
400 hectares of vines producing over 3,000 tonnes of
wine grapes annually. The majority of current
grape production is sold to large multinational producers of
wine outside the region, with only limited production of wine
within the Hilltops Region.
To compliment its Hilltops range of wines, Chalkers Crossing buys
grapes from the cool climate Tumbarumba Region of southern New
South Wales to make Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
All Chalkers Crossing wines are made at its modern winery just
north of Young.
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