Scarborough Wines' succession plan

There is a succession plan in action at Scarborough Wines.

While those big golden reliable Chardonnays first crafted by parents, Ian and Merralea Scarborough, continue to be eagerly quaffed by traditional Chardonnay lovers throughout Sydney, Liz Riley, Jerome Scarborough, his wife Liz Riley and Sally Scarborough have created something new and special: small-parcel Chardonnays to be released under the brand, Keepers of the Flame.

Introduced to guests at the Botanic Kitchen in Gladesville in Sydney, guests were treated to 2020 and 2017 The Obssesive Chardonnays alongside an entrée of kingfish smoked in a convereted barrel-smoker from Scarborough’s vineyard. The Boronia roast chicken main was accompanied by samples of the newly released 2019, 2020 and 2021 Keepers of the Flame wines, each distinct and a true reflection of its vineyard, made with fruit from the 35 hectares on Ogilvie View (formerly the Roxburgh Rosemount vineyards). The 2021 was the favourite of guests at the table with the 2019 a close second.

“The fruit from these vineyards stands out, with really great acid,” explains Scarborough who with wife Riley hosted the dinner in Sydney to celebrate the release which they say symbolises the future stewardship of the well-known Hunter Valley brand.

While those traditional Scarborough Chardonnays retail at around the $25 mark, the Keepers of the Flame takes Scarborough into premium territory with each bottle selling for $100.

Diversifying, new techniques and new approaches to winemaking have been in the planning for some time now as the winemaking family have adapted – like all winemakers – to climate change. The family's vineyards in the lower Hunter Valley have weathered floods, droughts and bushfires.

Viticulturist, Liz Riley (2017 AVSO Viticulturist of the Year) said, “The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in the country and a place which has seen an enormous amount of change. Now more than ever, an evolution is needed in the vineyard. It goes without saying that sustainable practices which encourage biodiversity are integral, but this must also be balanced with ways of working, which allow us to survive and thrive in unpredictable climates.”

Scarborough is currently a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and will seek certification soon, as well as being partners with Hunter Valley Landcare. The vineyards are protected with multi-species cover crops which bring the 'big bugs' like parasitic wasps to the vineyard for shelter, nectar and alternative prey. The Scarboroughs have also air-sprayed sunscreen clay over the grapes to protect the fruit when heatwaves are predicted.

Scarborough noted, “We’re committed to protecting the future of Hunter Valley winemaking, as well as the legacy our parents have worked hard for. This new range has been an amazing opportunity to work with my sister and wife to showcase some of the smaller parcels in our amazing vineyards.”

Sally Scarborough, Sales and Marketing Manager added, “They (the new wines) are a promise to my future self to take care of things and keep pushing the boundaries, whilst staying true to our Hunter Valley roots.”

Keepers of the Flame will be available as a trio of the 2019-2021 vintage releases, as well as sold individually. RRP: $100 single bottle. Available exclusively from www.scarboroughwine.com.au from the end of October.