Alternative Whites Varietals

Fiano is known for producing aromatic and texturally rich wines, often characterized by a combination of floral, citrus, and herbal notes. When grown in the Hilltops region, which is known for its cool climate and elevated vineyards, Fiano can take on unique characteristics that reflect the local growing conditions.

Here's how our Fiano wine from the Hilltops region of NSW in 2024 presents:

1. Colour: Pale to medium gold, with hints of straw on the rim, alluding to it's youth and vibrancy 
2. Aromas: The wine offers a complex bouquet of aromas. Expect vibrant citrus notes, such as lemon and tangerine, intermingled with floral scents like white blossoms and hints of honeysuckle. Herbal undertones, reminiscent of fresh herbs like thyme or mint, might also be present.
3. Palate: On the palate, our Fiano displays a delightful balance between zesty acidity and a slightly oily texture. The wine's light body carries flavours of ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, supported by tangy citrus flavours. Herbal nuances could translate into a refreshing savoury quality, enhancing the wine's overall complexity.
4. Mineral Notes: Given the Hilltops region's terroir, the wine exhibits subtle mineral undertones, reflecting the soil composition of the area. This mineral character could contribute to the wine's sense of place and add an intriguing layer to its profile.
5. Finish: The finish is crisp and lingering, with a combination of citrus zestiness and a touch of herbal freshness.
6. Ageability: While Fiano is often enjoyed in its youth for its vibrant fruitiness.
7. Food Pairing: Fiano's versatile character makes it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes. Its acidity and herbal undertones can make it a great match for seafood, particularly dishes with white fish or shellfish. It can also complement lighter poultry dishes, vegetable-based dishes, and salads.

Our Fiano would likely offers a harmonious blend of aromatic complexity, textural richness, and refreshing acidity, capturing both the grape's inherent qualities and the nuances of the Hilltops region.

Awards won

Bronze Tumbarumba wine show 

Bronze nsw wine awards 

A lively and nuanced expression of this style. Fumé Blanc is essentially a Sauvignon Blanc wine that has undergone barrel fermentation and aging, which imparts additional layers of complexity and texture to the wine. Tumbarumba, a cool-climate region in New South Wales, is known for producing high-quality grapes that can contribute distinctive characteristics to the wine.

Here's how a Fumé Blanc made from Tumbarumba grapes and fermented in French oak presents:

1. Colour: Pale to medium gold with hints of green, indicating its youthful nature and potential for aging.
2. Aromas: The wine displays a captivating array of aromas. Expect vibrant citrus notes like grapefruit and lemon zest, combined with ripe tropical fruit aromas such as passion fruit and pineapple. Alongside the fruit, there are herbal elements reminiscent of freshly cut grass and a subtle minerality.
3. Oak Influence: The French oak fermentation and aging imparts additional layers of complexity. Look for hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and a delicate smokiness, often referred to as "fumé" (which means "smoke" in French). The oak enhances the wine's overall structure and contribute to its texture.
4. Palate: On the palate, the Fumé Blanc has a balanced interplay between bright acidity and a light creamy, rounded mouthfeel from the oak. Ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavours are complemented by subtle notes of baking spices and toasted nuts, characteristic of well-integrated oak aging.
5. Mineral Notes: Tumbarumba's cool-climate terroir might contribute a distinct mineral character to the wine, adding a touch of flinty or stony complexity.
6. Finish: The finish has a lengthy and lingering, with a harmonious blend of fruit, oak, and acidity. A final zesty note might leave a refreshing sensation on the palate.
7. Ageability: Fumé Blanc wines crafted with oak aging often have the potential to age gracefully. The oak and acidity can provide a framework for development, allowing the wine to evolve over a few years, gaining complexity and depth.
8. Food Pairing: This style of Fumé Blanc can be versatile when it comes to food pairing. Its bright acidity and oak-influenced richness make it an excellent partner for a range of dishes. Try it with seafood like grilled shrimp or scallops, roasted chicken with herbs, creamy pasta dishes, or even mildly spicy Asian cuisine.

Overall our Fumé Blanc, made from Tumbarumba grapes and fermented in French oak, is a captivating combination of vibrant fruit, oak-driven complexity, and a sense of place influenced by the cool-climate terroir. The result is a wine that balances freshness and richness, making it a delightful choice for both casual sipping and pairing with a variety of dishes.

A fresh and vibrant expression of this white grape variety. Verdelho is known for its aromatic qualities and lively acidity, and the minimal intervention approach would aim to preserve these characteristics.

Here what you can expect from our Verdelho:

Colour: Pale straw to light lemon, showcasing its youthful and crisp appearance.

Aromas: The wine does present an aromatic bouquet bursting with fresh and fruity aromas. Expect vibrant citrus notes like lemon and lime zest, along with hints of tropical fruits such as pineapple and a touch of passion fruit. Floral elements, such as white blossoms or hints of honeysuckle, might also be present.

Palate: On the palate, the Verdelho does exhibit a light to medium body with a focus on bright and zesty flavours. The citrus and tropical fruit notes from the nose might translate seamlessly to the palate, offering a refreshing and lively sensation. The wine's acidity is the driving force, providing a crisp and invigorating mouthfeel.

Texture: Without skin contact or barrel maturation, the wine's texture is clean and lean, emphasizing its pure fruit character and acidity.

Mineral Notes: Verdelho wines from the Hunter Valley often showcase a distinctive mineral undertone, possibly contributing a flinty or stony quality to the overall profile.

Finish: The finish is brisk and refreshing, with the wine's citrusy and tropical fruit flavours lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: The wine's bright acidity and clean fruitiness make it an excellent match for a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with seafood, such as grilled prawns or scallops, light salads, ceviche, or even sushi.

Youthful Enjoyment: Verdelho wines are often intended to be enjoyed in their youth when their vibrant fruit and refreshing qualities are at their peak. They are perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.

Minimal Intervention: The stainless steel fermentation and lack of barrel maturation aim to highlight the Verdelho grape's inherent characteristics without introducing external influences.

Overall Impression: A Verdelho wine from the Hunter Valley, made with minimal intervention, offers an unadulterated representation of the grape's freshness and aromatic nature. Its lively acidity, tropical fruit notes, and clean palate make it an ideal choice for those seeking a crisp and invigorating white wine that captures the essence of the grape and the region.

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