The de Bortoli family’s story is typical of many wine-making immigrant families from Europe, arriving from Italy in the 1920’s. After purchasing a mixed fruit farm the de Bortoli family started making wine and selling it mainly to other immigrant Europeans in the area.

De Bortoli wines are based in the Yarra Valley just east of Melbourne. The climate here is untypical of Australia’s wine growing regions and the cool nights and warm days are perfect for grape growing, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The style of wine is well balanced with good freshness, avoiding the problems of over ripe, high alcohol wines.

De Bortoli have now celebrated over 90 years of wine-making with the fourth generation of the family. They are lucky to have Steve Webber as winemaker, making wines of great balance. As Steve says their Shiraz is so different to most Aussie Shiraz that it’s not even funny. Steve’s style is to make wine very drinkable and balanced, not trying to extract every last ounce of flavour.

The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are great examples of a more European style, food friendly approach to wine-making. They are light and approachable and very easy to drink a second glass. The more quirky range are named after the opera La Boheme. The white is a dry, gently aromatic Pinot Gris with a touch of Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer. Subtle and restrained with pear and blossom aromas followed by apple and mandarin flavours. La Boheme red is an aromatic, textural wine in homage to the French bistro. A blend of Syrah and Gamay it is delicious, complex yet easy drinking.

One of De Bortoli most successful wine styles is their Botrytis Semillon. Left to hang on the vine until the fungus appears on the grapes, it is then used to make the most delightful dessert wine. A complex, elegant, honeyed dessert wine balanced by fresh acidity.