Masterclass — La Dolce Vita (Italian) | Tasting Australia

Embracing the sweet life is always a good idea. Here that means giving Italian grape varieties their closeup, together with top South Australian counterparts. We’ll look at wines from all of Italy’s big-name sources – Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto and more – and fascinating selections from other parts of the country you might not know. Winemaker Anita Goode and vine nursery owner Kim Chalmers will feature, together with importers Matt Paul and David Ridge. Goode is sole winemaker and owner of Wangolina on the Limestone Coast, working with a mix of classic varieties and others more common across Italian vineyards to craft a premium range with fun at the forefront. Across the border in Victoria is Chalmers, whose family business has imported more than 50 grape varieties into Australia during the past two decades. Italian standouts are a major part of the portfolio, giving rise to wines that develop their own fruit-driven personalities rather than aspiring to emulation. Paul, meanwhile, works with wine wholesaler Trembath & Taylor. It offers an entirely Italian selection sourced from all corners of the country. Fellow importer Ridge also specialises in vino from this treasured part of Europe, focusing on big names across Alto Adige, Barolo, Barbaresco and Brunello di Montalcino. Ready to live la dolce vita? Benvenuto!