Hunter Valley is a renowned winemaking district in Australia. Every year, hundreds of varieties of tipples and wines are manufactured and marketed all over the globe. Visitors searching for a taste of culture can embark on private wine tours in Hunter Valley and visit various world-class wineries to sample some of the world's most extraordinary wine flavours.
With an almost 200-year wine legacy, the region is most recognised for its sémillon and shiraz varieties. At the same time, many more unique categories continue to dominate the wine market abroad.
Understanding The Hunter Valley Wine-Making Climate And Conditions
The wine produced here is often full-bodied and fruity. The warm and dry temperature allows the grapes to mature completely. Shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and sémillon are the most common varieties of wine produced in the Hunter Valley.
Given these climatic circumstances and the varietals cultivated here, it's no surprise that several of the top Hunter Valley wineries also create exceptional fortified wines. For example, muscat, a highly sweet and rich dessert wine, or Madeira, a fortified Portuguese-inspired Verdelho.
Common Wines Created In The Hunter Valley
Shiraz remains the most popular red wine grape variety in the Hunter Valley. This variety is known for its deep colour, and the typical Australian red wine made in the shiraz style is a full-bodied drink with moderate acidity and drying tannins.
A clean, lengthy finish follows fruity notes of black currants, black cherries and blueberries with a peppery, spicy undertone. A high-quality bottle often includes hints of peppers, clove, smoke, allspice, herbs, tobacco and vanilla.
Shiraz
Shiraz from the Hunter Valley has a medium body and savoury flavour, making it a versatile wine to pair with a wide range of dishes. Shiraz has been an essential element of Australia's wine industry for decades, and it will continue to make a substantial claim to the country's wine history.
Sémillon
Sémillon is the region's signature white wine, owing to the dried-out, sandy river banks that provide ideal growing conditions for this specific grape type. The sémillon made here features flavours of lemon and lime with a natural, vibrant acid kickback. Older varieties feature honey-like flavours and toasted undertones.
Chardonnay
Australia has risen to the ranks of the world's leading producers of premium chardonnay wines, following France and the USA. Chardonnay has seen a revival in the last decade or two, with the creation of numerous new varieties. Chardonnay flavours often include white peach and citrus notes, with a noticeable acidic aftertaste.
Many chardonnays undergo a secondary fermentation called malolactic fermentation (MLF) that adds caramel and vanilla flavours. Oak-aged chardonnays feature notes of butter, baked pastry, crème brûlée and caramelised sugar.
Verdelho
You can't go wrong with a bottle of Verdelho, a dry and refreshing but fuller-bodied white wine that is crisp and pleasant. It originated in the Portuguese island of Madeira and is produced n many wine regions worldwide, including the Hunter Valley.
It's ideal for novice wine drinkers or those searching for something a bit lighter. The flavours are intense and energetic, reminiscent of a fruit salad in a glass, and it is the ideal beverage to enjoy while relaxing with friends in the beautiful Hunter Valley countryside.
Muscat
Grapes from the muscat family are also known as Moscato and Muscatel. The orange, pear and honeysuckle in its delicious taste profile complement the floral scent it delivers. During the winemaking process, Moscato is often blended with different grapes to produce a wide range of distinct muscat wines.
Private Wine Tours In The Hunter Valley
The Hunter region is world-renowned for its unique climate conditions and terrain, producing some of the finest full-bodied wines in the world. The varieties mentioned above, as well as a plethora of others, await. Looking to experience the sights and sounds of the iconic valley? Get in touch with us today for private wine tours in the Hunter Valley.