Unwrapped: Hungerford Hill Classic Pinot Gris 2025

Hilltops' elevation of 400-600 metres creates the cooler climate conditions that Pinot Gris thrives in, allowing the grapes to retain natural acidity while developing complex flavours. This cooler edge prevents the variety from becoming overly ripe or losing its characteristic crispness, which is why this wine maintains such precise fruit definition and bright acidity. The region's continental climate with cool nights helps preserve the delicate aromatics that make Pinot Gris so appealing.

While Italian Pinot Grigio tends to be more neutral and mineral-driven, this Australian Pinot Gris shows more fruit expression with nashi pear and green apple flavours, plus subtle floral notes. The style sits beautifully between the lean Italian approach and the richer Alsatian tradition, offering enough character to be interesting while maintaining the crisp, refreshing qualities that make it so food-friendly. The silky texture adds another dimension that pure Grigio styles often lack.

The wine's bright acidity and clean finish make it exceptional with seafood - think grilled fish, prawns, or oysters where the citrus notes complement the ocean flavours. Its crisp profile cuts through creamy textures beautifully, making it perfect for soft cheeses or Caesar salad, while the subtle fruit sweetness pairs wonderfully with Asian cuisine like sushi or Thai salads. The palate-cleansing quality means it works as both an aperitif and throughout a meal.

The 2025 vintage showcases the tight, precise fruit character that defines quality Pinot Gris, with the grapes achieving optimal ripeness without losing their natural acidity. Cool vintage conditions in Hilltops allowed for extended hang time, developing the complex nashi pear and green apple flavours while maintaining the variety's signature freshness. This balance between fruit development and acidity retention is what creates the wine's exceptional drinkability and food-pairing versatility.

Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C to showcase the crisp acidity and delicate aromatics - too warm and you'll lose the refreshing quality that makes it so appealing. The wine is designed for immediate enjoyment while the fruit is at its peak freshness, though it will hold well for 2-3 years if stored in cool, dark conditions. Decanting isn't necessary, but letting it breathe for a few minutes after opening allows the subtle floral notes to emerge more prominently.