Saperavi - who had it firts in Australia?

by Lesslie
(Sydney)

Lesslie Asks:

Which grape nursery released Australia's first Saperavi?

Darby Says
The variety has been listed as one in the Merbein Grapevine Variety collection for many years.

I believe that Gapsted in the Alpine valleys were the first to commercially release wine from the variety, but that Peter Read of Symphonia Wines in the King Valley was the pioneer who first saw the potential of the variety in Australia and set out to it in Australian conditions.

I seem to recall hearing that the Gapsted Saperavi released early this century was made from fruit from Symphonia's Vineyard. I suspect that they may still be using some fruit from That vineyard

Saperavi is now used by about ten wineriesin Australia

I'll seek some information from the winemakers or maybe another reader can make a comment.