Why Italian Grapes Love Western Australia
Updated: 2 days ago
Fiano, Vermentino and Dolcetto: Mediterranean varieties for a Mediterranean climate.
Italian grape varieties suit Western Australia because WA's wine country has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers, mild wet winters and cooling sea breezes off the ocean. Varieties such as Fiano and Vermentino evolved in exactly those conditions in southern Italy, Sardinia and Liguria. They hold their natural acidity in the heat, cope with drought and ripen to full flavour at moderate alcohol. As vintages get hotter, that makes them one of the most practical choices a WA winemaker can make. It's why we grow them at Vino Volta, not to mention that their flavours are also perfectly suited to our warm and sunny conditions!
What is Western Australia's wine climate like?
Most of WA's wine regions have a classic Mediterranean climate: long, dry, sunny summers and mild, wet winters. The Indian Ocean runs the length of the coast, and in the afternoon a strong sea breeze (Perth's "Fremantle Doctor") pushes cool, moist air inland.
We're based in the Swan Valley, but we also source Italian varieties from two warm regions nearby:
Swan District. The wider region around the Swan Valley, stretching north to Gingin. Warm to hot, with plenty of sunshine moderated by the regular Indian Ocean sea breeze, and dry summers with very little disease.
Geographe. About two hours south of Perth, around Geographe Bay. It shares much with neighbouring Margaret River but is slightly warmer, because it faces the warmer Indian Ocean rather than the Southern Ocean. Sea breezes temper the heat through summer.
Why do Mediterranean grape varieties suit the Western Australia?
They are built for heat, sun and dry summers, so they don't have to be rescued from the climate. Three traits matter most:
They keep their acidity. Most classic French varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir, lose acid fast as temperatures climb. Fiano and Vermentino hold theirs, so the wines taste fresh without added acid.
They ripen flavour before sugar runs away. They reach full flavour at moderate sugar levels, giving wines around 12.5% alcohol rather than 14–15%.
They handle drought and sun. Thicker skins and naturally hardy vines cope with dry spells, heat spikes and strong light with less sunburn and less stress.
All of the Italian varieties we work with come from warm regions, especially Vermentino and Fiano. I felt they would have real resilience here. Having tasted these wines from around Australia, and especially from Italy, I also thought they were relevant to the Australian climate in both taste and style.
Fiano, Vermentino and Dolcetto give healthy, moderate crops without being pushed. We get good yields with less effort than many other varieties; if anything, we're holding yield back rather than chasing it.
Fiano: why does it thrive in WA?
Fiano is a white grape from Campania in southern Italy, best known from the hills around Avellino. It thrives in WA because it keeps unusually high natural acidity even in hot conditions, while building rich, textural, nutty flavours.
In the vineyard: drought-tolerant, disease-resistant and low-fuss, with thick skins that handle strong sun.
In the glass: lime, elderflower, honeysuckle and a nutty, slightly waxy texture, held together by firm acidity.
Our wine: So Well Then Fiano 2024, Swan District.
Vermentino: why does it thrive in WA?
Vermentino comes from the sunny, coastal regions of Sardinia, Liguria and Tuscany, and from Corsica and southern France (where it is called Rolle). It loves heat and sea air, which is exactly what Geographe offers.
In the vineyard: ripens early, copes with heat and drought, and keeps good acidity at modest alcohol. It doesn't hold acid quite as firmly as Fiano, so site and picking date matter.
In the glass: apple, pink grapefruit, chamomile and herbs, with a saline, mineral edge that suits a coastal climate.
Our wine: Sole Bambino Vermentino 2024, Geographe.
Dolcetto: why does it thrive in WA?
Dolcetto is a red grape from Piedmont in north-west Italy. The name means "little sweet one". It comes from the warmer parts of a region that's usually thought of as moderate, even fairly cool, but Piedmont's summers finish stinking hot for the last month. That's why I think Dolcetto has the resilience for WA. It ripens early, so we can pick it before the hottest stretch of our summer, and it makes soft, fruit-forward reds made for warm-weather drinking.
In the vineyard: an early ripener with naturally deep colour and modest acidity. In a warm climate it does best on a well-drained site with some elevation.
In the glass: dark cherry, blackberry, almond and anise, with supple tannins. Best served lightly chilled.
Our wine: Love Sick Puppy Dolcetto 2023, from the Wildwater Vineyard in Geographe.
Why try a grape variety you've never heard of?
In Europe, wine is about the place it comes from, or the producer who made it, rather than the grape. Learning to trust a place and a producer is a great way to find new wines. For me, it would be a pretty boring wine world if we only ever stuck to the same handful of noble varieties. I'd love to see Australian wine regions grow the grapes suited to their region that make the tastiest wines with the least input.
A few easy ways in:
Like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio? Try Vermentino.
Like Chardonnay? Try Fiano for the same texture with brighter acidity.
Like Pinot Noir or lighter reds? Try Dolcetto, lightly chilled.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Italian grapes grow well in Western Australia?
WA's wine regions have a Mediterranean climate similar to southern Italy: hot, dry summers, mild wet winters and sea breezes. Italian varieties evolved in those conditions, so they ripen well and keep their freshness.
What is Fiano wine?
Fiano is a white wine grape from Campania in southern Italy. It makes textural, medium-bodied whites with citrus, honeysuckle and nutty notes, and keeps high natural acidity even in hot climates.
What does Vermentino taste like?
Vermentino tastes of apple, citrus and herbs, with a fresh, slightly salty finish. It is light to medium-bodied and pairs well with seafood.
What is Dolcetto?
Dolcetto is an early-ripening red grape from Piedmont in north-west Italy. It makes soft, fruity reds with dark cherry and almond notes that are good lightly chilled.
Are Italian grape varieties better for climate change?
Many are. Southern Italian and Mediterranean varieties such as Fiano and Vermentino tolerate heat and drought and retain acidity, so they stay balanced as vintages get hotter.
How do I choose an unfamiliar wine?
Choose by place and producer rather than grape name, and buy from an independent bottle shop where staff can guide you. If you like Sauvignon Blanc, try Vermentino; if you like Chardonnay, try Fiano; if you like lighter reds, try Dolcetto.
Should Dolcetto be served chilled?
Yes, lightly. Twenty to thirty minutes in the fridge brings out its fruit and makes it ideal for warm WA evenings.
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