Rollo Crittenden
Los Hermanos

Since leaving school Rollo has studied and worked in the wine industry both in Australia and around the world. After gathering diverse experience in California, Oregon, Italy and the Hunter Valley, he settled back at home on the Mornington Peninsula with Dromana Estate, the winery his father established a generation earlier and subsequently sold. In 2007 he returned to look after winemaking under the family's Crittenden Estate banner and with his sister created the Los Hermanos label, home to some of the most accurately pitched savagnin and tempranillo, with a stunning new blended red, ‘Homenaje a Cataluña'.
Q&A

 

Is there a wine or a person that inspires you as a winemaker?
Both Jim Clendenen (Au Bon Climat) and my old man (Garry). Two men passionate about Pinot Noir and pushing the boundaries with alternative varieties.

What is so-hot-right-now in wine?
Organic / Sustainable viticulture - good for the wines, good for the environment and naturally good for the consumer.

What got you into wine?
As a teenager, the thrill of a busy winery mid vintage.

What's your desert island wine?
1996 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo (preferably a magnum).

Why should you win the people's vote for the YGWA?
Because my Australian Idol campaign isn't going so well.

(Complete this sentence) If there was no wine in the world...
I'd have more brain cells for a career that I wouldn't enjoy!

As a winemaker, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Hopefully still making wine on the Mornington Peninsula (maybe even some Gruner Veltliner).

What's the one word that sums you up?
Macroverbumsciolist (look it up... I had to!)

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