After a number of challenging years, Angullong has released a trio of new vintage wines in their ‘Fossil Hill’ range. This includes the 2022 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Rosé, 2021 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Montepulciano, and 2021 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Sangiovese.

The Fossil Hill range of wines celebrate Mediterranean varieties within a cooler, high elevation region. 

“The 2021 growing season was good,” said owner Ben Crossing. “Conditions relating to the impact of several years of drought and subsequent low moisture during the start of the season caused reduced vine capacity, bud fruitfulness and increased fruitless shoots. However, our vineyard was in a relatively positive position. 

“We had adequate water in 2020 so the vines weren’t stressed during budburst.  After that, the rain and warmer weather gave us excellent fruit. With our vineyards sitting on the 600-metre regional boundary, and being slightly warmer than the higher vineyards, we ripened both white and red varieties beautifully. Mild weather, particularly in January, allowed the fruit to ripen more slowly than in recent years, ensuring excellent flavour development.”

The new 2022 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Rosé reflects the 2022 vintage, being the coolest in 20 years. “It was a return the classic pre-drought cooler vintage, with the wines showing pristine natural acidity and flavour.”

The Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Rosé is made from the ‘Grosso’ Sangiovese clone, producing a lively, textural and sophisticated style while the Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Sangiovese is made from the ‘Brunello’ clones which are producing wines with more intensity. “Having a number of clones in the vineyard certainly helps with blending and stylistic differences, whilst still showcasing the region.”

The Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Montepulciano is a relatively new addition to the range. “This is the second release of our Montepulciano. It is a variety known for its light tannins and juicy acidity. It is the only Montepulciano currently grown in our region and is showing great promise as the vines mature.” 

2022 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Rosé (Orange Region)

Trophy, Australian Highlands Wine Show 2022

Gold Medal, Australian Highlands Wine Show 2022

2021 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Montepulciano (Orange Region)

Trophy, Orange Wine Show 2022  

Gold Medal, Orange Wine Show 2022

2021 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Sangiovese (Orange Region) 

Gold Medal, Orange Wine Show 2022