This week saw a wonderful achievement for the 2021 Grazia! Our unique textural blend has achieved a remarkable feat as one of James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of Australia in 2024. Selected at #62, it is the second of 3 Italian varietals and first of 2 Italian whites to make the list. The only wine from the Alpine Valleys too.
Senior Editor Ryan Montgomery said of the list:
'This year’s tasting journey across Australia extended beyond the classics – those iconic shiraz, chardonnay and riesling wines that define Australia’s global reputation – to uncover many new, exciting and unique offerings. From emerging producers and alternative varieties to off-the-beaten-path vineyards with a profound sense of place, this Top 100 list showcases the extraordinary diversity to be found among the finest examples of Australian wine.'
Congratulations to fellow Heathcote wineries Jasper Hill & Heathcote Estate for their inclusion. And many friends from regions around Australia including Renata & Ollie from Lyon's Will Estate, Michael from Bindi, and of course Sam & the Middleton family at Mount Mary on their listings.
And finally, forgive the indulgence a little bit, but I'm really proud that Mario's foresight in not being afraid to extend his experience with multiblend whites to this unique wine & honouring his family's Friulian heritage. First released in 2013 when most Australian drinkers' familiarity with Italian whites did not extend beyond Prosecco & Pinot Grigio, the popularity of the Grazia has grown steadily alongside the growing appreciation of Italian white varieties. We can't wait to see what the future holds, not only for this wine, but also for the continued growth of Italian varieties in Australia.