First Ridge releases Italian vintage reds amid growing popularity of alternative varieties

First Ridge Wines has released two new vintage red wines — the 2024 First Ridge Montepulciano and the 2024 First Ridge Barbera — to embrace the Mudgee region’s Italian wine heritage amid increased curiosity surrounding alternative varieties. “For more than 165 years, Mudgee has been growing grapes and making wine. It is one of the pioneering wine regions of NSW,” said First Ridge co-owner and vigneron John Nicholas. In the 60s and 70s, the region was reinvigorated, with new winemakers establishing vineyards and wine brands. Many of these vineyards are still producing great wines. Today, there is a real willingness to experiment with varieties and winemaking techniques. The increasing popularity of Italian and other ‘alternative’ varieties shows how the region’s success stems from innovations that complement its historic vineyards…”