History of Chambers Rosewood
Founded by the Chambers family in 1858, Chambers Rosewood stands as a testament to Australian winemaking heritage. The winery has remained a family-run enterprise for over 160 years, with winemaking skills and traditions carefully passed down through six generations. The current custodian, Stephen Chambers, took over in 2001 from his father, Bill Chambers, one of Australia’s most respected wine figures. Bill's dedication to preserving and enhancing the winery’s fortified wine production earned him a lasting legacy as a leader in the field.
Chambers Rosewood's success is rooted in its unique approach to crafting fortified wines. The family’s cellar houses stocks of Muscat and Muscadelle that have matured for over a century, making them some of the oldest and most prestigious fortified wines in the world. These wines, blended with material aged in a modified solera system established in the 1890s, embody a blend of history, tradition, and innovation. Their Rare Muscats and Muscadelles have achieved legendary status, often earning perfect scores from international critics.
The winery’s enduring reputation is bolstered by its commitment to quality and consistency, ensuring that every bottle reflects the excellence that has defined the Chambers family for generations. The blending expertise honed over the decades allows them to craft wines with unparalleled depth, complexity, and balance, securing their position as one of Australia’s most iconic producers.
Region and Vineyards
The Rutherglen region, situated in Victoria, Australia, is synonymous with fortified wine excellence. Nestled on the floodplain of the Murray River, the region boasts deep alluvial soils rich in nutrients and with excellent moisture retention. The red loam soils, lying atop a clay base, are particularly well-suited to growing Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge and Muscadelle, the flagship varieties for Rutherglen fortified wines.
The region’s continental climate plays a pivotal role in the production of these wines. Hot summer days provide the heat necessary to develop intense sugar levels in the grapes, while the cool nights help preserve acidity, ensuring a balance between sweetness and freshness. As the season progresses into the warm autumn, the grapes naturally shrivel on the vine, further concentrating their flavors and sugars, a key characteristic of Rutherglen fortified wines.
The vineyards at Chambers Rosewood include some vines that are over a century old, planted on a single-wire trellis system. This system allows the fruit to achieve optimal ripeness while supporting the sprawling canopies necessary for protecting the grapes from excessive heat. Harvest typically occurs from early March to early May, with late-harvested fruit attaining the desired 16° Bé and higher, essential for crafting the rich, sweet wines that define Rutherglen’s signature style. The result is fruit of exceptional quality, providing the foundation for the winery’s world-renowned Muscats and Muscadelles.
Wine Range of Chambers Rosewood
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The Rutherglens: Blended from material aged 6 to 10 years, these wines are fresh and vibrant, showcasing the rich fruit and clean spirit that form the foundation of the Rutherglen style.
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The Grands: Blended from material dating back to World War I, the Grand Muscat and Grand Muscadelle exhibit extraordinary complexity, pronounced rancio notes, and a luxurious mouthfeel.
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The Rares: Crafted from material over 100 years old, these wines are the pinnacle of Chambers’ production. Featuring an olive rim and a treacle-like palate, they deliver exceptional aromatic complexity, balance, and persistence.
Did you know?
The solera system used to age Chambers’ wines was established in the 1890s, and it is believed that some of the original wine still remains in the barrels. The careful maintenance of these ancient stocks ensures that every release captures a piece of winemaking history.
