The Idea
The MDC was instigated by owners Bruce and Jenni Chalmers, proprietors of Chalmers Nurseries and Paiko vineyards, and Sandro Mosele, one of Australia’s most respected winemakers. Together they set out to cultivate and vinify these new varieties and clones, some of which had previously not been made in Australia, others already with a face in the market. With the Chalmers’ extensive viticultural knowledge and experience and Mosele’s insightful winemaking skills the MDC philosophy was formed, with daughter Kim Chalmers completing the family business picture, coming on board with MDC in early 2005.  

The Vines
For over seven years the Chalmers, through their nursery business, have been working on this groundbreaking project to import as many as 70 different clones and varieties of wine grapes into Australia from around the world. The primary focus is on Italian varieties with others from Spain, Argentina, the USA and South Africa.  Italian oenologist and viticultural expert Alberto Antonini has advised the project on the selection of many varieties. They are selected on their potential suitability to Australian winegrowing conditions and sometimes on the basis of superior clonal selection.

The Winemaking
Following harvest, the grapes are delivered to winemaker Sandro Mosele at Kooyong Winery on the Mornington Peninsula. Each parcel is fermented separately in order to study the progress of plantings and viticultural regimes. Sandro’s winemaking aims to reveal the inherent character of each parcel and adheres to a philosophy of minimal intervention. Natural yeasts are used and there is little use of new oak in any of the wines. Varietal character takes centre stage and winemaking is subtly integrated into each finished wine.