11 vibrant wines, 3 unique qualities and one ridge on the hill. Indulge your senses with First Ridge’s vibrant Italian wines.
Perched among the rocky ridges of Mudgee’s rolling hills at an altitude of 500 metres, First Ridge – lauded ‘The best small cellar door in Mudgee’ twice over – offers a unique cellar door experience, with wines to match.
Take a perch next to the floor-to-ceiling windows fitted within the quirky, bold red shipping container cellar door. While your eyes meet the sweeping views across the vineyards, your nose will soon be drawn to the glass in front of you, filling up with some of the finest wine in the region.
First Ridge doesn’t just set itself apart with its unique cellar door or spectacular view. The vineyard’s wines have three notable differences. First, the entire range is ‘single vineyard,’ meaning all grapes are grown right on-site in their Mudgee vineyard; a true expression of the local terroir. Second, First Ridge is the only vineyard in the region to produce exclusively Italian varietals, bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of Mudgee. And finally, these wines are designed to complement and enhance food, rather than compete with it – staying true to the Italian philosophy of wine as a companion to meals.
While the crowd-favourite Pinot Grigio continues to soar in popularity, it’s the lesser-known varietals, like Vermentino and Fiano, that are becoming the show-stoppers. First Ridge’s philosophy is simple: to craft vibrant, beautiful wines that excite the senses and elevate any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a wine tasting experience or curating your wedding wine list, these 11 wines promise to leave a lasting impression.
1. Pinot Grigio
Kick-start your tasting journey with First Ridge’s Pinot Grigio, a wine that’s loved for good reason. Bursting with refreshing notes of lemon and nashi pear, it’s the go-to white for seafood, chicken, pork, or veal.
2. Vermentino
Next up is the multi-award-winning Vermentino. This wine dazzles with bright citrus tones of pineapple, pear, and lemon, making it a perfect pairing with seafood. It’s a crisp, bone-dry delight that’s racked up gold medals across multiple vintages.
3. Fiano
A versatile white, Fiano is the Italian answer to Chardonnay – minus the oaky overtones. Think preserved lemon, white nectarine, and a hint of honey blossom. Sip this with creamy pasta, chicken, pork, veal, and seafood dishes.
4. Sangiovese
Move on to the reds with Sangiovese, a vibrant, zesty crowd-pleaser that’s best enjoyed young. It’s all fresh cherry flavours, balanced vanilla, and a touch of spice. Pair this bottle with tomato-based pasta or really, just about anything.
5. Montepulciano
Named after its grape variety and with a nod to the historic wine town in Tuscany, Montepulciano is deep in colour and tannins, with fruit-filled aromas. It’s the perfect match for rich meats, hearty pasta, or herbaceous cheeses.
6. Barbera
The award-winning Barbera boasts spice berry aromas and a rich palate of dark plum and vanilla oak. This wine’s complexity and structure lends itself to mushroom dishes or rich meats.
7. Marco
This unique blend of Barbera and Sangiovese brings together the rich, powerful plum of Barbera with the aromatic strawberry and cherry of Sangiovese. It’s a one-of-a-kind blend that pairs beautifully with roast meats.
8. Sangiovese Rosé
With upfront guava, strawberries, and cream, the Sangiovese Rosé is bright and crisp, with a savoury finish. Pair this summer delight with seafood, pizza, and Asian cuisines.
9. Prosecco
First Ridge’s Prosecco is a vibrant, easy-drinking sparkler. Sip this on any occasion with fish or delicate dishes – or simply by itself.
10. Sangiovese Frizzante
Bubbles and strawberries and cream – what’s not to love? This Sangiovese Frizzante is lively and inviting, and brings a touch of fun to any gathering. It’s a true party starter.
11. Vermentino Frizzante
Rounding off the list is the Vermentino Frizzante, a sparkling wine with bright citrus flavours and notes of pineapple, pear, and lemon. This bottle pairs effortlessly with seafood.
Get ready to indulge on the First Ridge of Mudgee’s rolling hills.
