Renzaglia Wines has its roots in an unlikely beginning, when Guy and Betty Renzaglia planted a small vineyard in the dry county of Alto Pass, Illinois, back in 1982. Fifteen years later, their son Mark and his wife Sandy brought the family’s winemaking vision to New South Wales, establishing their label in the Wambuul Valley, part of the cool Central Ranges.
Now the next generation is carrying the story forward. Winemaker Sam Renzaglia has taken charge of the family label, steering it into new territory with a series of releases that shine a spotlight on the Central Ranges as a whole. Fruit is sourced from a handful of respected vineyards across the region, from Wallington in Canowindra and Patina and ChaLou in Orange to First Ridge in Mudgee.
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For Sam, one of the most rewarding aspects of this work is the chance to collaborate closely with growers who share his passion for quality. These partnerships create space for honest discussion about viticulture and the pursuit of the best fruit possible.
In the winery, the approach is deliberately restrained. Rather than altering the wines with additions, the focus is on allowing each variety to speak for itself. Fermentation and maturation happen in a diverse mix of vessels, from concrete and stainless steel to amphorae, foudres, puncheons, barriques and even glass. Each is chosen to highlight character rather than mask it. The result is a collection of wines that are authentic, expressive and deeply connected to place.
This release is also one of the first to put the Central Ranges firmly in the spotlight. Stretching across varied landscapes and elevations, it is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse winegrowing zones, and Sam is intent on championing its potential.
He sees it as a privilege to work with such distinctive vineyards and believes the diversity of the region offers endless opportunities for exploration.
Renzaglia wines are distributed by Viticult and are available online:
- 2024 Renzaglia ‘Central Ranges’ Pinot Gris (ChaLou Vineyard, Orange) $37
- 2024 Renzaglia ‘Central Ranges’ Riesling (Patina Vineyard, Orange) $37
- 2024 Renzaglia ‘Central Ranges’ Chardonnay (Patina Vineyard, Orange) $37
- 2024 Renzaglia ‘Central Ranges’ Pinot Noir (Patina Vineyard, Orange) $37
- 2024 Renzaglia ‘Central Ranges’ Sangiovese (First Ridge Vineyard, Mudgee) $37
- 2024 Renzaglia ‘Central Ranges’ Grenache Tempranillo (Wallington Vineyard, Canowindra) $37
- 2024 Renzaglia ‘Central Ranges’ Cabernets (Mount Panorama, Bathurst & Patina Vineyard, Orange) $37