Hungerford Hill

Awards won:

Silver Australian Italian varieties wine show

A unique interpretation of this classic Italian grape variety, influenced by the terroir of the Hilltops region and the specific characteristics of that growing season.

Here's how a Sangiovese wine from the Hilltops region in 2022 presents:

Colour: A medium to deep ruby red, with hints of garnet at the rim, indicating its youth and potential for aging.

Aromas: The wine does present a complex and enticing aromatic profile. Expect vibrant red fruit aromas, such as ripe cherries and red currants, along with subtle notes of raspberry and possibly even cranberry. Herbal nuances come forward, including hints of dried oregano or thyme, which are characteristic of Sangiovese.

Palate: On the palate, the Sangiovese does exhibit a medium body with moderate acidity. The red fruit flavours noted on the nose translate to the palate, accompanied by a touch of tartness and a pleasant juiciness. The wine's structure does include fine tannins that provide a smooth yet firm texture.

Earthiness: Sangiovese carries an earthy quality, and the Hilltops terroir does enhance this aspect. You might detect notes of dried leaves, that adds depth to the wine.

Ageability: The 2022 Sangiovese from the Hilltops region does have the potential to age well, allowing its flavours and structure to evolve over the years.

Food Pairing: Sangiovese's versatility with food makes it a great choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with Italian cuisine such as pasta with tomato-based sauces, roasted meats, and aged cheeses. Its acidity and moderate tannins make it suitable for both lighter and heartier dishes.

Limited Production: Sangiovese is less common in the Hilltops region, resulting in limited production quantities and adding to the wine's exclusivity.

Overall Impression: The 2022 Sangiovese from the Hilltops region does offer a unique and exciting glimpse into how this traditional Italian grape thrives in Australian terroir. Its balance of fruit, structure, and earthy nuances does make it a captivating wine that showcases the fusion of Old World charm and New World innovation.

A wine that emphasizes the freshness of the grape and the minimal intervention winemaking approach. “Nouveau-style” wines are typically released shortly after harvest to showcase the primary fruit characteristics of the grape variety.

Here’s how our surprising Shiraz presents:

Colour: Deep ruby red with purple undertones, reflecting its youthful and intense appearance.

Aromas: The wine's aromatic profile is focused on the primary fruit characteristics of the Shiraz grape. Expect aromas of ripe blackberries, and hints of plum. The absence of sulfur does allow the grape's natural aromatic intensity to shine, possibly with a touch of earthiness or subtle floral notes.

Palate: On the palate, the Shiraz does offer a medium to medium-full body with an immediate burst of fruit flavours. The dark berry notes from the nose might transition smoothly to the palate, accompanied by a lively acidity that contributes to a fresh and lively mouthfeel.

Minimal Intervention: The absence of added sulfur underscores a minimal intervention winemaking philosophy, allowing the grape's natural attributes and the vintage conditions to be the main contributors to the wine's character.

Food Pairing: This style of this Shiraz makes it versatile for pairing with a variety of dishes. Consider enjoying it with grilled meats, charcuterie, pizza, or even slightly spicy dishes.

Overall Impression: The 2021 Preservative Free Shiraz from the Hunter Valley, made without the use of sulfur, does offer a vibrant and joyful wine experience. Its focus on immediate fruit expression, minimal intervention, and the unique attributes of the vintage make it an appealing choice for those seeking a red wine that captures the true essence of the Shiraz grape in a lively and uncomplicated form.

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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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Awards Won:

Trophy small winemakers show               sliver royal Adelaide wine show

Top gold small winemakers                    Gold Nsw  Wine awards

Gold Royal Qld wine show

A captivating fusion of two Spanish grape varieties, influenced by the unique terroir of the Hilltops and the complexities of oak maturation.

Here's how such a blend presents:

Colour: Deep garnet with hints of violet at the rim, suggesting youthfulness and vibrancy.

Aromas: The wine does offer a complex and aromatic bouquet that combines the attributes of both Tempranillo and Graciano. Look for ripe red fruit aromas like cherry and raspberry from the Tempranillo, along with a touch of black fruit complexity from the Graciano. Subtle floral notes and a hint of dried herbs might also emerge. The French oak aging does add layers of vanilla, toasted spices, and a touch of smokiness.

Palate: On the palate, the blend might showcase a medium to medium-full body with a rich yet balanced character. The red and black fruit flavours from the nose does transition seamlessly to the palate, accompanied by a harmonious interplay of sweet and savoury elements. The oak aging does contribute a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins.

Oak Influence: French oak maturation does introduce layers of complexity, seamlessly melding with the grape characteristics. Expect elegant vanilla, subtle toasted notes, and a gentle spice that enhances the wine's profile without overshadowing the fruit.

Structure: The wine's structure is supported by the natural acidity of the grapes and the textural contributions of both Tempranillo and Graciano. The balanced tannins does provide a sturdy yet supple framework.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with the wine's ripe fruit flavours and oak-driven nuances continuing to evolve on the palate.

Food Pairing: The blend's versatility makes it well-suited for a range of dishes. Consider pairing it with Spanish-inspired cuisine, such as paella with chorizo and seafood, or grilled meats with smoky spices. It does also complement Mediterranean dishes, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses.

Ageability: The balance between fruit, oak, and structure does give this blend the potential for aging. It might evolve over the years, gaining additional complexity and depth.

Overall Impression: The 2022 Tempranillo Graciano offers a captivating and intriguing wine that marries the unique characteristics of two distinct grape varieties with the influence of terroir and oak maturation. The result is a wine that embodies the best of both worlds, delivering complexity, depth, and a touch of elegance to those seeking a unique and memorable experience.

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