Posted Mar 10th 2007, 10:35
Margaret River winemaker Clive Otto will join Fraser Gallop Estate in July this year in a move that reflects his desire to move to a smaller, terroir-focused winery with an ability to demonstrate Margaret River's true capabilities.
Otto says a number of factors drew him to Fraser Gallop Estate, a picturesque 40 acre vineyard in the Margaret River sub-region of Wilyabrup, but he was primarily interested in owner Nigel Gallop's approach to development of the vineyard and wines.
"It has taken the region 37 years to understand which varieties grow best in each sub-region of Margaret River and this property has given itself the best possible chance to succeed by choosing the region's signature varieties of cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. The owners of Fraser Gallop Estate have not deviated from focusing on what Margaret River does best by growing vineyards without irrigation, keeping yields low and placing quality above everything else."
"The prospect of making two exceptional wines each vintage from dry grown, hand picked and estate-owned fruit appeals to me," Otto says.
In November 2005, Otto was named Australian Winemaker of the Year by Wine State magazine following 16 years of winemaking at Margaret River's Vasse Felix winery. His Heytesbury Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 was named Wine of the Year, over 10,000 wines tasted during the year. At the time he claimed his best wine was yet to come.
Nigel Gallop says Otto's appointment will move Fraser Gallop Estate to the next level.
"Clive brings tremendous experience, but I think more than that Clive brings a depth of knowledge which provides the inputs in the winery and in the vineyard as well, which are going to lead us to making better decisions regarding quality. He also brings an incredible palate and some terrific ideas about how wine should be made." Gallop said.
"This winery will raise the bar in terms of premium wine production in Margaret River, along the lines of the top estates in Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Napa Valley. This opportunity is the one I've been looking for" says Otto.
Otto will join Fraser Gallop Estate following the 2006 vintage at Amisfield Estate in Central Otago, New Zealand.