Alternative red varietals

For a limited time only we’re offering FREE SHIPPING on our recent award winners including the Trophy winning Hilltops Tempranillo. 

Awards Won

Trophy royal Qld wine show.               Hilltops Wine of the year

Top Gold Qld Wine Show                    Bronze National wine show  

Gold Small Winemakers Show            Bronze Royal Adelaide wine show 

Bronze Nsw Wine Awards 

A harmonious marriage of the grape's varietal character, the distinctive influence of the Hilltops terroir, and the complexities introduced by oak aging.

Here's how our trophy winning Tempranillo presents:

Colour: Intense ruby red with vibrant crimson hues, indicating its youthfulness and depth.

Aromas: The wine does present a captivating aromatic profile that showcases both the grape's characteristics and the terroir. Expect ripe red fruit aromas such as cherry, raspberry, and plum. Hints of dark berries emerge, offering layers of complexity. The French oak aging does contribute elegant vanilla, toasty notes, and a touch of warm spice, enriching the aromatic bouquet.

Palate: On the palate, the Tempranillo does deliver a medium to medium-full body with a rich and balanced expression. The red fruit flavours from the nose continue to shine, accompanied by a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury elements. The oak maturation does enhance the wine's texture, contributing velvety tannins and a refined structure.

Oak Influence: The oak aging does play a significant role in adding depth and complexity to the wine. Look for integrated notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and subtle hints of cloves or nutmeg that complement the fruit-driven core.

Terroir Expression: The red soils of the Hilltops region does lend an additional layer of complexity to the wine. Expect a subtle minerality and a touch of earthiness that intertwine with the fruit and oak nuances.

Finish: The finish is lengthy and satisfying, with the wine's ripe fruit flavours and oak-influenced elements lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: The wine's medium to full body and balanced character make it suitable for a range of food pairings. Consider matching it with grilled meats, Spanish-inspired dishes like chorizo and paella, or roasted vegetable dishes.

Ageability: The combined influence of the grape's structure, the Hilltops terroir, and the French oak does give this Tempranillo the potential to age well. It might develop added complexity and tertiary aromas over a few years.

Overall Impression: The 2022 Tempranillo does offer a captivating and nuanced wine experience. Its blend of varietal fruitiness, terroir expression, and oak complexity does create a wine that appeals to those seeking a balanced and well-rounded red wine that reflects the unique qualities of both the grape variety and the region.

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A unique and intriguing expression of this lesser-known grape variety. Pinot Meunier is one of the three main grape varieties used in Champagne production, and when crafted as a single vineyard wine, it can showcase the distinct characteristics of both the grape and the terroir.

Here's how a single vineyard Pinot Meunier from Tumbarumba in 2023 presents:

Colour: A translucent ruby hue, with hints of purple, reflecting the grape's inherent lighter Colour and potential for elegance.

Aromas: The wine does offer a captivating bouquet of red fruit aromas. Look for vibrant notes of red cherries, wild strawberries, and raspberry. Floral undertones, reminiscent of rose petals or violets, might also be present, adding a layer of fragrance to the aroma profile.

Palate: On the palate, the Pinot Meunier does exhibit a medium body with balanced acidity. The red fruit flavours noted on the nose does carry over to the palate, accompanied by subtle hints of cranberry and pomegranate. The wine's texture is smooth and silky, enhancing its overall elegance.

Earthiness: Tumbarumba's terroir contributes an subtle earthy component to the wine's profile. Look for hints of forest floor, dried leaves, or a subtle minerality that adds complexity to the fruit-driven character.

Structure: Depending on the winemaking techniques, the wine's structure might include fine-grained tannins that contribute to a pleasing mouthfeel and potential for aging.

Finish: The finish is medium in length, with the wine's vibrant fruitiness and earthy undertones lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: Pinot Meunier's delicate nature and versatility make it a great companion for a variety of dishes. It does pair well with dishes that incorporate poultry, particularly duck, as well as roasted game birds. Its acidity and fruitiness does also complement dishes with earthy components, such as mushroom-based dishes or truffle-infused creations.

Overall, a single vineyard Pinot Meunier is a captivating exploration of this grape's potential outside of the Champagne region. Its delicate yet expressive nature, combined with the influence of the Tumbarumba terroir, does create a wine that offers both elegance and depth, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts of nuanced and intriguing wines to drink now.