HILLTOPS SHINES AT CANBERRA WINE SHOW
There is nothing more certain to put a smile on a winemaker’s face than a shiny trophy. And there were trophies and medals aplenty at this year’s Canberra and Region Wine Show 2024, especially for winemakers and vignerons from the NSW Hilltops.
The judges at the Canberra & Region Wine Show awarded four Trophies to Hilltops GI wines, six Top Gold Medals, six Gold Medals and 17 Silver Medals. In fact, almost 100 Hilltops GI wines were entered and the judging panel, led by chief judge Shanteh Wale, conjured an impressive medal strike rate of 60% for the Hilltops entries.
This year’s Canberra Show results continue to highlight the region’s impressive viticultural reputation according to Hilltops Wine President, James Bowman, proprietor of Barwang Wines.
‘These accolades validate the commitment, skill, passion and innovative approach of Hilltops vignerons and other region’s winemakers, who increasingly seek out top quality grapes from our cool vineyards.’
‘For such a small region to score six Top Gold awards ranging from aromatic white varieties and a mature sweet wine to the classic reds, notably cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, is a serious endorsement of our region’s strength and diversity and posts notice that the NSW Hilltops is one of Australia’s most exciting and versatile wine regions.’
The Hilltops is focused around the town of Young, where vines thrive on elevated rolling hills (approx. 500m) supported by red granitic loam soils, good water supplies and extended autumn seasons conjuring even ripening and flavour concentration.
The Hilltops GI Trophy winners include:
- Corang Estate Il Rosso 2023 – Best Sangiovese
- Freeman Dolcino 2013 – Best Sweet Wine
- Hungerford Hill Fishcage Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 – Best Cabernet Sauvignon & Hilltops Wine of the Year 2024
Bryan Currie, winemaker at Hungerford Hill, who also won Hilltops Wine of the Year in 2022, is a strong advocate for the Hilltops wine region, both for its traditional red grapes – cabernet sauvignon and shiraz – and the emerging varieties like fiano, graciano and tempranillo.
‘There is a pristine flavour intensity and balance in these grapes that need little winemaking intervention to show their delicious true character. It’s such an inspiring region!’
More details here
HILLTOPS WINES SHINE AT CANBERRA REGIONAL WINE SHOW
Contact: Jane Adams
