Wines Hunter Valley Brokenwood - 1899 Old Vines - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Brokenwood’s Cuvée 1899 Old Vines 2022 from Hunter Valley stands as a captivating expression of Australian white winemaking. The cuvée’s name hints at venerable vineyards, with old vine stock lending greater concentration and complexity to the finished wine. Typically, Hunter Valley white blends pivot around the region’s famed Semillon grape, possibly complemented by Chardonnay or other varietals. The 2022 vintage, shaped by a mild growing season with well-timed rainfall, has likely yielded a wine of crisp acidity, delicate citrus and green apple notes, perhaps underpinned by a subtle honeyed depth—a trademark of old-vine fruit. Winemaking at Brokenwood espouses a delicate approach, usually focusing on stainless steel fermentation to capture freshness and terroir transparency, with minimal oak influence if any.

Hunter Valley, situated just inland from Sydney, is one of Australia’s oldest and most revered wine regions. Its climate is distinctive among Australian growing areas: relatively warm but moderated by cooling breezes and frequent humidity from the nearby sea. The soils here are predominantly sandy and well-drained, with pockets of volcanic basalt—an environment perfectly suited to retaining acidity in white grapes, especially Semillon. Hunter Valley’s winemaking legacy stretches back to the early 19th century, boasting a proud heritage of producing age-worthy, nuanced whites with an elegant, understated profile.

In terms of food pairings, Brokenwood’s Cuvée 1899 Old Vines 2022 would shine alongside freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters or grilled Morton Bay bugs, echoing regional Australian seafood traditions. Its zesty acidity and restrained palate will enliven classic fish and chips, delicate sushi, or a simple poached chicken salad. For a more local touch, try it with a savoury prawn and avocado salad or tempura barramundi fillets.

Serve this white at a precise 8-10°C to best capture its vibrant fruit and stony minerality, allowing it to unfold in the glass as it gently warms. Should you wish for further complexity, revisit the wine over several years; Hunter Valley whites, particularly those from old vines, can reward a little patience with greater depth and honeyed nuance.