The rolling hills of Italy's Piemonte and the flat plains of Victoria's Goulburn Valley are worlds apart. The classic tradition of wine making however, has transferred flawlessly from one hemisphere to the other. When Carlo Monichino migrated from the Asti region of northern Italy, he brought his winemaking skills with him. Carlo and Margaret Monichino established their first vineyard on the Australian continent at Katunga in central Victoia's Goulburn Valley in 1962. The Monichinon family recognized that the rich soil and excellent climatic conditions make this region ideal for grape growing. Vines were first planted here during the 1880s, one of the oldest and most enduring grape growing regions in Australia.
Originally planted to the more ubiquitous Australian grape varieties, for the production of locally popular styles of wine, Monichino vineyards now yields harvests of Barbera, Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio. Exquisitely balanced, flavourful and refreshing wines in the fashion of Italy's most renowned viticultural precincts, are a specialty of Monichino vineyard wineworks. The high quality of fruit harvested off 26 estate owned and operated hectares of low yielding vines, can only be achieved by close husbanding and hard wok, by heavy pruning and light supplementary watering. This increases the intensity of flavour and emphasizes the natural character of the varietal grape. The result is a range of high quality, hand crafted wines, offering rich aromas and full bodied palates.
Goulburn Valley is heaven sent for agriculture, Monichino's vines are planted to what are essentially, top notch farming terrains, premium Moira loams, soils that are ideal for wine grapes. Monichino Wines remain a true family concern, extended family and neighbours are all involved. Carlo Monichino' eldest chose to study wine science and to do vintage overseas before assuming the role of chief winemaker.
Estate harvests of Pinot Grigio, Barbera and Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, White Frontignac and Orange Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, are all of exceptional quality every year. Table wines, sparkling and fortifieds, are all on the Monichino wine list. Some vineyard blocks are left on the vine to develop into the luscious dessert styles, parcels of noble rot affected grapes are selectively picked for crafting into luxurious botrytis wines.
Visitors to Monichino are welcome and the cellar door is open to all. Call in for a chat over a large range of award winning wines for tasting, Monichino's friendly staff will help you with your wine selection and can help with information on food and wine matches. Take the time to relax and savour a locally made cheese platter in the well laid out picnic grounds overlooking Monichino vineyard. Above all, sample the complete range of Monichino wines and you're certain to be impressed!
