Sustainable Viticulture
Chalmers have spent years refining their approach to viticulture which includes heavy use of organic carbon to improve soil and increase water holding capacity. All nutrient and the majority of fungicide applications utilized are organic. Residual herbicides are not part of the Chalmers regime as soil microbial health is paramount. Mulch and weed control trials are currently underway to permanently remove the need for chemical knock-down herbicide use.
One of the major concerns of the Chalmers family is protection, preservation and re-establishment of the native flora and fauna on their properties and minimal impact on the environment from their viticultural pursuits.
The Chalmers family acknowledge that climate change is a reality and are constantly taking positive steps to reduce their carbon emissions and chemical use while implementing high-tech systems to ensure highly economical water consumption.
Through their nursery’s varietal selection and importation program, and subsequent vineyard trials and evaluation, Chalmers have identified and cultivated grape varieties that are naturally more resistant to drought and heat with thick skins and high natural acidity.
This means quality fruit in warmer growing regions with less water requirement, higher resistance to disease and less winery addtions. These attributes mean that as our wine regions get warmer and drier we have the opportunity to continue to create wines of great quality while putting less stress on natural resources and using less chemicals.
In 2008, during the Millenium drought, Chalmers produced a documentary DVD outlining the techniques used at the Euston vineyard to dramatically reduce water requirement in the most drastic time in the Murray Darling Basin’s recent history. Although times have changed, and some methods have evolved since then, there is still a lot of value in the production.
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