A Crisp Expression of Cool Climate Elegance

The Hungerford Hill Classic Pinot Gris Hilltops 2024 is a wine that captures the essence of the Hilltops region, known for its cool climate and high-altitude vineyards. This Pinot Gris is a fine example of how the unique terroir of the Hilltops imparts freshness, vibrant acidity, and subtle minerality to the wine. It is an elegant, food-friendly wine that offers a balance of fruitiness and structure, perfect for both casual sipping and more refined pairings.

Appearance: A Glimpse of Light and Freshness

In the glass, the 2024 Pinot Gris presents a delicate pale straw to light golden colour, typical of the variety. Pinot Gris tends to have a lighter hue compared to other white wines, and this wine is no exception. Its brightness is immediately inviting, hinting at the fresh, lively experience to come.

Aroma: Delicate and Expressive

On the nose, this wine is delicate yet expressive, with an aromatic profile that showcases the elegance of cool-climate fruit. Aromas of white flowers, pear, apple, and citrus are the most prominent, creating a bright and floral bouquet. There are subtle hints of green apple, honeysuckle, and a faint mineral undertone, which reflect the influence of the Hilltops’ cooler nights and high-altitude conditions. This aromatic complexity makes the wine an intriguing choice for those who enjoy a more nuanced and refreshing white wine.

Taste: A Lively and Fresh Palate

The palate of the Hungerford Hill Classic Pinot Gris 2024 is lively and fresh, offering a wonderful balance of fruit and acidity. The primary flavours of green pear, crisp apple, and lemon shine through, giving the wine a fruity core with a refreshing citrus zing. This crisp acidity is characteristic of wines from cooler climates, and it plays a key role in making this wine so appealing.

What makes this Pinot Gris stand out is the way its fruitiness is perfectly balanced by a lively acidity, giving it a refreshing, mouthwatering quality. The flavours are clean and bright, making it an ideal wine to pair with light, summery dishes.

Texture: Silky and Well-Structured

A defining feature of this wine is its silky, slightly oily texture, which is common in Pinot Gris and adds to the overall mouthfeel. This texture provides a roundness to the wine, making it feel well-structured without being overly heavy. The combination of crisp acidity and a smooth texture makes for a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience that lingers on the palate.

Finish: Crisp and Clean

The finish of the Hungerford Hill Classic Pinot Gris Hilltops 2024 is clean and medium in length, leaving behind a refreshing, citrusy note. The lingering acidity enhances the wine’s overall freshness, making it the perfect companion for a variety of meals or simply for sipping on a warm afternoon. This Pinot Gris has a bright, zesty character that makes it versatile and easy to enjoy.

Terroir Influence: The Unique Character of Hilltops

The Hilltops region, located in southern New South Wales, is known for its cool climate and high-altitude vineyards, which play a key role in shaping the profile of this wine. The cooler temperatures, particularly during the night, help retain the natural acidity of the grapes while allowing for a slower ripening process. This results in wines that are fresh, vibrant, and well-balanced.

The terroir of Hilltops also contributes subtle mineral undertones to the wine, adding complexity and a sense of place. The combination of cool nights, high altitude, and well-drained soils creates wines with purity of flavour and a distinctive, crisp character, all of which are clearly evident in this Pinot Gris.

Food Pairing: A Versatile Wine for Many Dishes

Thanks to its refreshing acidity and light fruit profile, the Hungerford Hill Classic Pinot Gris 2024 is an incredibly versatile food wine. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, making it ideal for everything from casual meals to more refined dining.

For a light pairing, consider grilled seafood like prawns, scallops, or white fish. The wine’s acidity will cut through the richness of the seafood, while its citrus and apple notes enhance the natural sweetness of the fish. A goat cheese salad with pear and walnuts would also be a fantastic match, complementing the wine’s floral and fruit-driven aromas.

For a more substantial meal, roast chicken with lemon and herbs or pasta dishes with cream-based sauces will bring out the roundness and texture of the wine, while the acidity helps to balance the richness of the dish.

A Beautiful Expression of Hilltops Pinot Gris

The Hungerford Hill Classic Pinot Gris Hilltops 2024 is a wonderful representation of what the Hilltops region can offer. With its fresh, lively acidity, delicate fruit flavours, and subtle minerality, this wine is a pleasure to drink. Its balance of texture and flavour makes it an ideal wine for food pairing, and its cool-climate origins shine through in every sip.

Whether enjoyed now for its bright, youthful freshness or cellared for a few years to develop more complexity, this Pinot Gris is a versatile and elegant choice that reflects the best qualities of Hungerford Hill’s winemaking and the unique terroir of Hilltops.

Looking for Hunter Valley Accommodation for your next visit to Hunter Valley Wine Country? Start your search with Wotif today>