- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
Soil, Sun, and Savoir-Faire: Reds of the Hunter Valley
Throughout the world, the goal of winemakers is to make the best possible wine, and in Australia, for many wine enthusiasts, the quest for that 'perfect' Australian red wine starts in the Hunter Valley.
Here, for almost 200 years, winemakers have developed a reputation for producing remarkable wines, showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and a spirit of innovation.
There is no mistaking the quality and variety of red wine on offer in the Hunter Valley, where the region's terroir - a combination of climate, soil, and topography, plays a pivotal role in shaping the distinct characteristics of its red wines. Here, the warm climate and deep friable loam and red duplex soils of the Hunter Valley produce superb examples of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, as well as an increasing number of Mediterranean varieties that include Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo, to mention just a few.
Throughout the world, winemakers strive to make the best possible wine from the resources available to them, and for many wine aficionados, the quest for the "perfect" Aussie red starts right here in Hunter Valley wine country.
Shiraz is the Hunter's premium red variety and is tremendously flexible in its ability to adapt to almost any combination of climate and soil. The typical young Hunter Valley Shiraz is a medium-bodied wine showing red and dark berries and spices. The region's humid climate and frequent summer rainfall contribute to wines with softer tannins and lower alcohol content compared to their South Australian counterparts.
Hunter Valley Shiraz is known for its ability to age gracefully, developing complex leather and tobacco notes over time, making it a favourite among collectors and wine enthusiasts.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world's most loved red wine, renowned for its ability to age for decades. As a result, this classic red variety of Bordeaux is second only to Shiraz in importance in Australia. Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be medium to full-bodied, elegant and aromatic, with a rich bouquet of fruity notes of black cherries and currants and herby notes of peppers and olives.
Described as "the most romantic of wines'' due to its sensual and gratifying perfume, Pinot Noir tends to be light to medium in body with a broad range of textures and flavours, including a variety of complex aromas reminiscent of black or red cherry, raspberry, currant, and blackberry. While widely considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world, it is also highly reflective of its terroir, with different wine-growing regions often producing very different wines.
In Australia, Merlot is one of the most important red grape varieties - coming in third after Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Originating from Bordeaux in France, Merlot is renowned for its wonderfully fruity, well-rounded, even fleshy character and is grown in just about every wine-growing region of Australia. The summer heat of the Hunter is considered to provide the ideal growing conditions for this versatile grape variety. Hunter Valley Merlot has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, with a vibrant bouquet providing one of the most pleasurable wine experiences.
Originally from Spain, Grenache is one of the world’s most widely planted grapes. In Australia, it is well known as part of a blended trio with Shiraz and Mourvèdre – the so-called GSM blend, which can be found in numerous Hunter Valley tasting rooms. Grenache is now increasingly popular as a superb single varietal medium to full-bodied wine, with red fruit flavours that are layered with a peppery spice. Its balanced tannins and acidity make it easy to drink, although it does tend to have higher alcohol levels.
Tempranillo is a premium grape variety originating in the Rioja region of Spain, where it is often blended with varieties such as Grenache and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Sauvignon. This variety is exciting because it is an easy-drinking, medium to full-bodied wine with lower acidity and full fruit flavours that go well with a wide range of foods. The wine is ruby red, while the aroma and flavours can have plum, cherry, strawberry, and herb characteristics.
Also Mediterranean in its ancestry is Nebbiolo. A prestigious grape variety hailing from the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, Nebbiolo forms the basis for renowned wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. This variety is prized for producing complex, full-bodied wines with high acidity and strong tannins, often requiring significant aging to reach their full potential. Nebbiolo wines are typically pale brick-red in colour, belying their robust nature. The aroma and flavour profile is distinguished by notes of red fruits like cherry and raspberry, along with more complex hints of rose, tar, and truffle, making it a favourite among wine connoisseurs and an excellent pairing for rich, savoury dishes.
Originally from the Bordeaux region of France, the bold-yet-floral expression of Petit Verdot is something that all red wine enthusiasts should have the opportunity to try. In Australia, Petit Verdot is planted in warmer climates like the Hunter Valley, producing full-bodied wines with concentrated flavours and integrated tannins.
Whatever you're looking for, the Hunter Valley provides a diversity of red wines that are perfect for those looking for something different. Enjoy wine, enjoy friends, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.
Latitude 32 Wines
The Dux 2021 Shiraz
Made exclusively from premium parcels of fruit. Fermented in open-top vats, the ferment started warm and was then cooled towards the finish to ensure the right tannin structure and colour was achieved. The wines were then matured in new and old French oak barrels for 18 month.
TASTING With an intense bouquet of vibrant black and blue fruits there is a juicy, succulent palate with a satiny texture. This full-bodied Shiraz has well balanced fruit, acid, oak and tannin, and will deliver impressive all-round enjoyment now or will further develop with age.
FOOD MATCH Red meats, roasts and anything from a wood fired oven.
CELLARING 10 years + (but that requires patience)
PRICE $75
Parched Crow Wines
Shiraz 2021
Homegrown and handcrafted. Our wines embody the synergy of cattle farming, viticulture, winemaking and the rich history of our country Hunter Valley properties. Sourced from the south facing parcels nestled at the foothills of Pokolbin’s Broken Back Range. Medium bodied fruit driven and well balanced, with fine tannin to finish.
TASTING The vibrant aromas of red fruits and spices pave the way for a luscious palate characterized by velvety plums. This delicately structured wine is accentuated by earthy undertones, culminating in a refined finish.
FOOD MATCH Osso Buco.
CELLARING 10 years.
PRICE $40
Thirsty Palette Wine
Shiraz Cabernet 2021
60/40 blend of Shiraz and Cabernet aged in French oak for 15 months.
TASTING Vanilla on the front palate with soft plum and cherry flavours. There are slight notes of tobacco with dark chocolate on the back palate.
FOOD MATCH Lamb shoulder with chat potatoes and blanched greens.
CELLARING 12-15 years.
PRICE $40
Hungerford Hill
2022 Malbec
A single vineyard Malbec rich in flavour and colour. Made in the Hunter from fruit sourced in the cool Hilltops region. This is a great example of what rich young and lively Malbec can be.
TASTING Opulent dried rose perfume on the nose accented with dark fruits. Rich blackcurrant flavours are layered throughout the palate with depth and texture. FOOD MATCH Rib eye with chimichurri, rice and beans, and a corned beef potato salad.
CELLARING Drink now, or save until the end of the decade.
PRICE $50
Savannah Estate
2021 McLaren Vale Shiraz
McLaren Vale is renowned for producing rich, full-bodied red wines with intense fruit flavours with a distinct spicy character, showcasing the unique terroir.
TASTING Very generous palate with rich flavours of blueberry and blackberries and an almost jammy quality, shortcrust pastry on the mid-palate, subtle hints of cocoa and coconut, full-bodied with supple tannins and a lingering finish. Bold yet smooth in a true McLaren Vale style, this is a perfect red for winter’s heartier dishes.
FOOD MATCH The wine's rich fruit flavors and spicy notes complement the smoky and savoury flavours of grilled steaks, slow-cooked stews, pot roasts, and braised short ribs.
CELLARING 5-7 years.
PRICE $50
Bonvilla Estate
Single Vineyard Shiraz 2021
Bronze Winner at Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Makers Show 2022.
TASTING Blackberry and boysenberry with a hint of black olive, dark and brooding with subtle black peppery spice.
FOOD MATCH Pan seared duck breast
CELLARING Drinking beautiful now or age for another 2-3 years.
PRICE $34
De Iuliis Wines
2022 Special Release LDR Vineyard Tempranillo
A small parcel of Tempranillo was transplanted onto the Lovedale Road property from a colleague's vineyard in 2018.
TASTING Bright notes of blackberry and black currant. A juicy, rich palate bursts with rock ‘n’ roll flair, delivering a symphony of flavours in every sip.
FOOD MATCH Roasted meats, paella, hard cheeses, and tomato-based dishes like pasta or pizza.
CELLARING We’ve made this wine to be enjoyed young, bright, and fresh! If you prefer a wine with more earthiness and dried fruits, pop this away for 3-5 years to see the transformation.
PRICE $35
Elbourne Wines
2018 “H.A.E” Shiraz
The carefully handpicked Shiraz fruit comes off Elbourne’s 40 year old “H.A.E” single vineyard of only 4 acres. 2018 was an exceptional “drought” vintage. Only 140 dozen produced and is affectionately named after Adam Elbourne's son Hugo Arthur Elbourne!
TASTING The intense blackberry fruit colour has a bold palate of dark cherry, plum, good spice and chocolate notes. High quality French oak barriques frame the tannins superbly (25% new French oak).
FOOD MATCH Medium rare tomahawk steak.
CELLARING Until 2028.
PRICE $60
Tamburlaine Organic Wines
2023 Hunter Syrah
A stunning example of a proud Hunter Valley Syrah.
TASTING Bouquet: elegant ripe red and black cherry fruit, with underlying earthy sweet spice. Palate: dark cherry and succulent red currents, with a savoury plush mid-palate supported by fine oak tannins. A classic medium bodied savoury Hunter red.
FOOD MATCH Ossobuco, lamb shanks and veggies.
CELLARING Balanced young, with classic secondary richness developing over the next 10+ years.
PRICE $48
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