John Pezzaniti
John is the current generation of an Italian/Australian family winemaking tradition that dates back over six generations to the land of his fore-fathers in Calabria, longer in fact than his late grandfather Domenico can remember.
John completed Applied Science at the Phillip Institute of Technology and Wine Science at Melbourne University before commencing his career as a wine maker. His first position was a cellar-hand followed by eight years of technical research and development in the local citrus industry. He said “I was born in Mildura in 1969 and I have been in the region all my life. I love the relaxed life style here which goes hand in hand our wine, fresh produce and cuisine” for which the Murray Darling region is highly regarded.
In many cases large wineries have “bean counters” at their helm but Qualia Wine Services has its roots firmly in the winemaking camp with John steering the ship as Executive Director.
This 2011 vintage will be his fifteenth. When asked about wine he proclaimed “We make wines that compliment our contemporary lifestyle. We have an uncompromising attitude towards over-delivering quality whilst remaining competitive. Initially we work on vineyard site selection, vine clone and vineyard architecture. Then we enhance the ensuing grape quality at every step of the winemaking process. This care delivers true varietal flavor in every bottle of wine”.
John completed Applied Science at the Phillip Institute of Technology and Wine Science at Melbourne University before commencing his career as a wine maker. His first position was a cellar-hand followed by eight years of technical research and development in the local citrus industry. He said “I was born in Mildura in 1969 and I have been in the region all my life. I love the relaxed life style here which goes hand in hand our wine, fresh produce and cuisine” for which the Murray Darling region is highly regarded.
In many cases large wineries have “bean counters” at their helm but Qualia Wine Services has its roots firmly in the winemaking camp with John steering the ship as Executive Director.
This 2011 vintage will be his fifteenth. When asked about wine he proclaimed “We make wines that compliment our contemporary lifestyle. We have an uncompromising attitude towards over-delivering quality whilst remaining competitive. Initially we work on vineyard site selection, vine clone and vineyard architecture. Then we enhance the ensuing grape quality at every step of the winemaking process. This care delivers true varietal flavor in every bottle of wine”.
Gary Compton
Gary is a “local” having grown up in Red Cliffs in the Sunraysia region only 10 kilometers from Irymple and Qualia Wine Services where he is the Senior Winemaker-Operations.
His first wine industry experience was in 1985 as Winemaker’s Assistant at Deakin Estate in Sunraysia. Whilst at Deakin Estate Gary completed a Wine Science Degree at Charles Sturt University and a Winery Cellar Procedures Certificate. 1996 saw Gary move to the Riverland in SA to take a position with Kingston Estate. During his eight vintages at Kingston Estate Gary was appointed Senior Red Winemaker. He was impressed by the quality of the wines made from the Petit Verdot in the inland regions. These wines have been awarded gold medals at national wine shows but he is particularly proud of the two trophies won at the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge.
Despite this success Gary, who is a keen follower of Aussie Rules Football, became disenchanted in the Riverland. “Too many Adelaide Crows supporters over there” he said. He returned to Mildura with Evans and Tate as Senior Winemaker followed by a contract winemaking position at Constellation’s Stanley winery.
Gary brings a wealth of inland winemaking experience to Qualia Wine Services. “It’s a happy hunting ground for me. It makes sense that there is a natural flow and balance of the warmth and generosity of the region and its people to its grapes and then our wine. I’m pretty passionate about keeping that balance”.
His first wine industry experience was in 1985 as Winemaker’s Assistant at Deakin Estate in Sunraysia. Whilst at Deakin Estate Gary completed a Wine Science Degree at Charles Sturt University and a Winery Cellar Procedures Certificate. 1996 saw Gary move to the Riverland in SA to take a position with Kingston Estate. During his eight vintages at Kingston Estate Gary was appointed Senior Red Winemaker. He was impressed by the quality of the wines made from the Petit Verdot in the inland regions. These wines have been awarded gold medals at national wine shows but he is particularly proud of the two trophies won at the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge.
Despite this success Gary, who is a keen follower of Aussie Rules Football, became disenchanted in the Riverland. “Too many Adelaide Crows supporters over there” he said. He returned to Mildura with Evans and Tate as Senior Winemaker followed by a contract winemaking position at Constellation’s Stanley winery.
Gary brings a wealth of inland winemaking experience to Qualia Wine Services. “It’s a happy hunting ground for me. It makes sense that there is a natural flow and balance of the warmth and generosity of the region and its people to its grapes and then our wine. I’m pretty passionate about keeping that balance”.
Elizabeth Richardson
Liz is a “Sandgroper” born in Perth, Western Australia. Having completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Viticulture & Oenology) at Curtin University, Liz’s first vintage was at West Cape Howe in Denmark. This was followed by vintages all over Australia including in the Hunter Valley at Yarraman Estate, Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley and Tasmania’s Pipers Brook.
Liz travelled to South America in 2004 before accepting a permanent role as Assistant Winemaker at Forest Hill in Denmark. This three year position was followed by a year at Capel Vale as their White Winemaker. Liz said “It was here in the west that the wines I made started picking up gold medals. The highlight was a Riesling being chosen for The Prime Ministers Dozen.”
A move to Italy in late 2007 was made in order for Liz complete a Masters in Food Culture and Communication at The University of Gastronomic Sciences in Parma. Liz also undertook a vintage with Giuseppe (Beppe) Ca’Viola; one of Italy’s most respected winemakers.
Liz has been a Winemaker at Qualia Wine Services since January 2009. Whilst at Qualia she completed another vintage in Italy as well as completing the International Course on Piemontese Wines for Industry Professionals.
When quizzed, Liz revealed; “I love Italian grape varieties and the premium wines that country produces particularly the DOCG’s of the North West. My experience in Italy has led to a passion for Italian grape varieties, wine and lifestyle. Nothing beats long table lunches under the vines at a local osteria. It’s not at all surprising that I have found a home in North West Victoria. In Mildura there’s a strong Italian heritage as well as the growing importance of the region being suited to the alternative Italian varietals”.
Liz travelled to South America in 2004 before accepting a permanent role as Assistant Winemaker at Forest Hill in Denmark. This three year position was followed by a year at Capel Vale as their White Winemaker. Liz said “It was here in the west that the wines I made started picking up gold medals. The highlight was a Riesling being chosen for The Prime Ministers Dozen.”
A move to Italy in late 2007 was made in order for Liz complete a Masters in Food Culture and Communication at The University of Gastronomic Sciences in Parma. Liz also undertook a vintage with Giuseppe (Beppe) Ca’Viola; one of Italy’s most respected winemakers.
Liz has been a Winemaker at Qualia Wine Services since January 2009. Whilst at Qualia she completed another vintage in Italy as well as completing the International Course on Piemontese Wines for Industry Professionals.
When quizzed, Liz revealed; “I love Italian grape varieties and the premium wines that country produces particularly the DOCG’s of the North West. My experience in Italy has led to a passion for Italian grape varieties, wine and lifestyle. Nothing beats long table lunches under the vines at a local osteria. It’s not at all surprising that I have found a home in North West Victoria. In Mildura there’s a strong Italian heritage as well as the growing importance of the region being suited to the alternative Italian varietals”.
John Dimasi
“The soils are wonderful, we have more sunshine hours than most grape growing regions and we have good water. I interact with our growers and use what nature has provided and help them achieve the best possible vineyard environment” announced Qualia’s Grower Services Officer, John Dimasi.
John is a “local” and has been with Qualia from the start. He is amongst the third generation of grape growers; his grand father originally planted a vineyard near Mildura in the 1940’s.
When asked, John explained “Part of my role is to work with the winemakers who define what specifications that the grapes must have in order to make the wines for which they are destined. This is called optimum ripeness. The other side of my role is to interact with our growers and help them achieve that optimum. We set strict parameters for yield, quality, time of harvest and delivery within which the growers must comply.”
“Throughout vintage sleep is a luxury and the phone is constantly at my ear as management of the grape intake is also part of my role. It’s all worth it when you see that the wine that has been produced for our customers and our major brands like Commissioners Block.”
Vineyard management is crucial. The secret to success starts with selecting the right vineyard site; in the Murray Darling region this means well drained deep red soil. It’s requires an holistic approach, from selection of the most suitable clone to hand pruning for bud selection and canopy is trimming in November to ensure the appropriate amount of sunlight is intercepted by the forming bunches. From assisting with fertilizer selection to frost warnings it’s non-stop, year round discipline.
Outside of work John enjoys spending time with his wife and family, kicking the soccer ball and riding motorbikes. Although most of his spare time is spent working on the family’s 25 hectare vineyard.
John is a “local” and has been with Qualia from the start. He is amongst the third generation of grape growers; his grand father originally planted a vineyard near Mildura in the 1940’s.
When asked, John explained “Part of my role is to work with the winemakers who define what specifications that the grapes must have in order to make the wines for which they are destined. This is called optimum ripeness. The other side of my role is to interact with our growers and help them achieve that optimum. We set strict parameters for yield, quality, time of harvest and delivery within which the growers must comply.”
“Throughout vintage sleep is a luxury and the phone is constantly at my ear as management of the grape intake is also part of my role. It’s all worth it when you see that the wine that has been produced for our customers and our major brands like Commissioners Block.”
Vineyard management is crucial. The secret to success starts with selecting the right vineyard site; in the Murray Darling region this means well drained deep red soil. It’s requires an holistic approach, from selection of the most suitable clone to hand pruning for bud selection and canopy is trimming in November to ensure the appropriate amount of sunlight is intercepted by the forming bunches. From assisting with fertilizer selection to frost warnings it’s non-stop, year round discipline.
Outside of work John enjoys spending time with his wife and family, kicking the soccer ball and riding motorbikes. Although most of his spare time is spent working on the family’s 25 hectare vineyard.