Angullong Wines continues to be a leading producer of emerging varieties with the release of their 2019 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Tempranillo ($28), 2019 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Sangiovese ($28) and 2021 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Rosé ($26).

For 25 years Angullong have been growing a range of varieties, producing their ‘Fossil Hill’ wines, as well as suppling a number of like-minded winemakers with these emerging varieties.

“The 2019 vintage was relatively dry with lower than average yields. We were fortunate to be able to irrigate when required, which resulted in excellent quality fruit across the full range of varieties,” said Angullong General Manager and owner Ben Crossing

“In contrast, the 2021 vintage saw an end to the excessive dry conditions we experienced during 2019 and 2020. The rain was certainly a welcome relief.”

The Angullong vineyard was in a positive position leading into the 2021 vintage. “We received adequate winter and spring rainfall so the vines weren’t stressed during the growing season. Mild weather, particularly in January, allowed the fruit to ripen more slowly than in recent years, which resulted in excellent flavour development and retention of natural acidity at harvest.

“With our vineyards sitting on the lower slopes of Orange’s 600-metre regional boundary, we normally start our vintage earlier than the higher country vineyards. This was certainly an advantage as it was all about timing this year and we managed to ripen both white and red varieties beautifully.

“The 2021 ‘Fossil Hill’ Rosé is made from the ‘Grosso’ Sangiovese clone, planted over 20 years ago. It has proven to be an excellent clone for this rosé style, producing a lively, textural and sophisticated style. The 2021 ‘Fossil Hill’ Sangiovese is made from more recently grafted ‘Brunello’ clones which are producing wines with more intensity.

“We continue to build on our winegrowing experience with these varieties,” continued Ben. “While we have a number of straight varieties within the ‘Fossil Hill’ range, we are experimenting with a few exciting blends, creating medium bodied, savoury wines. We look forward to releasing some of these new blends in both our ‘Fossil Hill’ range and ‘Crossing Reserve’ range in the near future.

“We’re looking to create wines that suit the Australian way of life and the foods we eat. They are wines that have a sense of place and sit well on the dinner table.”