Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his view on two new releases from St. Hugo.
St. Hugo has built a legacy crafting fine wines from Barossa and Coonawarra. Originally settled in the 1840s, Barossa is Australia’s most famous wine region, famed for its undulating landscape, historic churches, and quaint bluestone cottages watching over lines of primordial vines and grand gum trees.
Located in the heart of the Limestone Coast, Coonawarra is another of South Australia’s great red wine regions, its dense terra rossa soil credited for some of the country’s best cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and merlot.
It all began in 1837 when Johann Gramp migrated from Eichig, Bavaria, and planted vines along the banks of Jacobs Creek. The first vintage was so successful that a new winery was built in Rowland Flat by Gustav Gramp, Johann’s son. From 1920 Hugo Gramp led the winery through a unparalleled growth until his untimely death in an aviation accident in 1938. In 1983 Hugo’s legacy was honoured with the release of the first wines under the St. Hugo label.
Today, St. Hugo is a household name, with winemaker Peter Munro continuing the Gramp legacy with every vintage having been awarded gold.
’18 St. Hugo Signature Collection Barossa shiraz
RRP $40
This bold, clear-headed, easy-drinking wine delivers great balance in structure and complexity, supported with fine silky tannins that linger long across the palate. Pair with beef, venison, lamb, and game.
’18 St. Hugo Signature Collection Coonawarra Barossa cabernet/shiraz
RRP $40
Ripe and aromatic, prompted with an air of complex aromas in the mouth. Serve with barbecued meats, roasts, and casseroles.
