In recent times,the owner of the Seppelt brand,Treasury Wine Estates,has decided to continue the brand using local fruit as well as grapes from Heathcote (in central Victoria).

Heathcote shiraz grapes probably cost much the same as those grown in the Grampians (a region that includes areas from Warrak and Ararat,through Great Western and Stawell to Horsham),but this is a moot point since Treasury grows the Heathcote grapes at its own Mount Ida vineyard.

“Our finite fruit resource means that we need to look outside the region for complementary grapes.”

Chalambar winemaker Clare Dry

Winemaker Clare Dry says Chalambar comprises more Grampians grapes now than it has since the very early days. She explains that in the ’90s they were using grapes from several Victorian regions but,since 2013,it’s been just Grampians and Heathcote,with Heathcote supplying about 20 per cent of the blend (it’s usually 15-30 per cent).

“I’d love to make a Grampians-labelled wine for Chalambar,” says Dry,“but our finite fruit resource means that we need to look outside the region for complementary grapes.

“Given we have a presence in Heathcote already with our Mount Ida vineyard,this area is a natural choice. We know the area and think the depth of fruit and the gravelly tannins match the aromatics and vibrancy of the Grampians fruit well.”

I agree that Chalambar is a very good red and excellent value at about $27. It also ages beautifully and I don’t think that potential has been compromised.

Got a drinks question for Huon Hooke?thefullbottle@goodweekend.com.au