Mondillo is the wine brand of Domenic and Ally Mondillo who have 12 ha of vineyard in the Bendigo region of Central Otago. Domenic came from the United States to Central Otago as a restaurateur, owning the famous ‘Roaring Meg’ and Chico’s establishments for some time before embarking on a viticultural profession with Gibbston Valley Wines. There, he was instrumental in establishing some of that company’s top vineyards. His experience led him to establish his and Ally’s own vineyard in 2001.

The vineyard site was selected for its coverage over three terraces, which Domenic believes gives more consistent ripening than a sloped vineyard. There are 10 ha of Pinot Noir, planted to clones 5, 114, 115. 667, 777 and Abel on four different rootstocks yielding their first wine for the 2004 vintage, and 2 ha of clone 239 Riesling yielding wine in 2007. Both Domenic and Ally are personally involved in tending the vineyard.

From the start, the wines were made at the Quartz Reef facility. In 2016, the Mondillos engaged Matt Connell, who has had an association with Domenic back to days in Oregon, to make their wine with them, the first vintage at Aurum, but at the spacious Hinton facility in Alexandra from now.

The Mondillo wines account for approx. 60% of the yield, the rest sold as contract fruit. The wines made were first a Pinot Noir and a dry Riesling. Both of these wines have won multiple gold medals since their inception. The Mondillos introduced a sweet Riesling, named ‘Nina’ with the 2011 vintage, this followed by a super-premium ‘Bella’ Pinot Noir with the 2013 vintage. In 2016, a Rosé wine was added to the portfolio. All of these too have received high critical acclaim. The quality is primarily attributable to the healthy fruit from a superior vineyard site. Many wines made from fruit from the Mondillo vineyard have also gone on to do well at judgings and tastings.

Domenic’s responsibilities to their venture include viticulture, winemaking and marketing. Ally also is involved in the viticulture, but specialises in administration, marketing and graphic design. Both Domenic and Ally are very personable and engaging, and their personalities are part of the reason for their loyal following. www.mondillo.com

Archived tasting notes on wines no longer commercially available can be seen by clicking here