Mallee Estate grape grower, Jim Markeas, has grafted more than 20 per cent of his vineyards from cabernet sauvignon to alternative varieties from Spain, Greece, Italy, and Georgia, in order to improve his family’s fortunes.
According to ABC News, grape farmers are shifting away from shiraz and cabernet sauvignon due to a global shortage of red wine.
Markeas, who is a second-generation grape grower in South Australia, said he was excited to make wines that honoured his Greek heritage and better suited the Mediterranean climate.
Jim’s parents, Peter and Eleni, left Greece in the 1960s in search of a better life and they found it in the soils of the Riverland wine region, just over three hours’ drive from Adelaide.
Today, Jim is at the helm of Mallee Estate, crafting wines that take the Riverland to the world.
“Our long-term goal is to continue our progression of becoming a premium wine producer and being environmentally friendly, so hopefully we have something to pass on to the next generation,” Markeas said.
The grafting and planting of lighter reds and whites is on the rise, as growers attempt to offer something new to consumers who are looking to explore.
Source: ABC and Australia Wine
