The Hunter Valley was established in the 1860s and is known as the birthplace of Australian Wine.
James Busby, the founder of Australian Wine, is believed to have smuggled up to 20,000 grapes from 350 varieties of Spain and France to Australia in 1832.
Legend has it that Busby gave these vines to 50 or so local vintners with the intent of making the Hunter Valley Australia’s first wine region. They soon saw the success of some varietals, and cuttings from these vines were planted in all parts of the country. Vine cultivation was instrumental in creating regions such as the Barossa and Margaret Rivers.
The Hunter Valley, located northwest of Newcastle, is the country’s oldest and most visited wine region.
The Hunter region is a wine region that enjoys a warm and humid climate and red clay loam soils. However, it is best known for its Shiraz and Hunter Valley Semillon, which are both highly regarded.
Semillon
Jancis Robinson, the Wine Critic, describes Hunter Valley Semillon’s unique gift to the rest of the world as “…Australia’s Wine.
Hunter Valley Semillon is a benchmark. Local winemakers claim that no other winemaker can replicate the Hunter Valley’s success.
Bryan Currie of Hungerford Hill fame says that the reason is very simple. Like any other form of valuable real estate, it’s all about location.
“Hunter Valley wine has a unique quality that you won’t find anywhere else.” It is a perfect combination of climate, variety and location.
Hunter Valley Semillon is typically picked before the sugar levels rise, so the Wine has too much alcohol. The wines’ fruit characteristics are transformed into lemon curds, popcorn, and a softened, toasty texture.
Shiraz
Hunter Shiraz is the most distinctive red Wine from this region.
Hunter Shiraz is known for its medium body and subtle fruit flavors. It also emphasizes earthy flavors such as leather and forest herbs. The Wine is often considered the best Shiraz for aging, as it develops rich, complex characteristics and soft tannins.
Jodie Belleville, Damien Stevens and their winery Hart & Hunter are owners and operators of Hart & Hunter. This winery focuses on single-vineyard wines from selected sites in the region. Their approach to Shiraz is to highlight and find the unique characteristics that the terroir provides for their grapes.
“…The fruit has some unique characteristics that are distinct from traditional Hunter Shiraz. Extremely strong natural acidity. We can produce riper fruit than Hunter vineyards.
As they mature, the vines of unripe Chardonnay grapes slowly change from green to almost golden yellow.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is Australia’s most popular grape. The Hunter Valley is not the only region that has Chardonnay vineyards.
Chardonnay’s popularity can be attributed to its early success in Hunter Valley, where James Busby planted the vines. Its diversity is what makes Australian Chardonnay so special. It is one of Australia’s most popular and polarizing wines, with its rich, buttery Chardonnays.
Chardonnay is loved by many people, not just wine enthusiasts. It is a favorite wine of winemakers like Damien Stevens from Hart & Hunter. Damien stated, “Chardonnay [varietal] is one of the few where you can work a bit more than other wines.” Each barrel is unique and has its character. It’s a process that takes eight months to complete. Chardonnay is an ongoing journey. It’s exciting.”
The Hunter Valley is an area of wine with a lot to offer. It’s a place where history and age influence the wines grown and made there. It is a unique place that wine lovers and critics around the globe love.
