Hungerford Hill Hilltops Tempranillo Graciano 2022

Way back in 2004 winemaker Bryan Currie asked a local grower in Hilltops if they would mind planting Tempranillo, a grape he loves. Looking for a grape that added tanin, structure and acidity to the soft charms of Tempranillo, a year or so later, he asked a second growe if they would kindly plant some Graciano. If it works in Rioja, he thought... After a spell working for some big names elsewhere, Bryan returned to NSW to work at the Hunter Valley's Hungerford Hill, and found the vines from both growers not only still there but thriving. He began crafting this blend – an Aussie rarity – and it remains both a favourite of his and of his customers, and also a high performer at shows as well. This 2022, like the vintage before it, winning a Trophy and Top Gold among other awards. Though a Hunter Valley winery, Hungerford Hill uses fruit from both Tumbarumba and Hilltops (they were the first winery to use Tumbarumba fruit, the second to use fruit from Hilltops). This wine could be described as both elegant and having a degree of highly drinkable rusticity. Pair this with barbecued lamb, Mediterranean dishes, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses.