Wines Hunter Valley Brokenwood - Tallawanta Vineyard - 2023

Brokenwood’s Tallawanta Vineyard Cuvée 2023 is a dry white wine that showcases the excellence of Hunter Valley’s unique terroir. Made predominantly from Semillon, a signature grape of the region, this 2023 vintage benefits from meticulous vineyard management and gentle vinification practices aimed at preserving the grape’s exceptional purity and freshness. In the glass, expect vibrant lemon and lime zest notes, enhanced by subtle floral undertones and a hint of wet stone minerality, all supported by a lively, mouth-watering acidity characteristic of young Hunter Valley Semillon. The wine’s precise structure and refreshing finish invite both immediate enjoyment and cellaring potential for added complexity over time.

The Hunter Valley, located in New South Wales, is Australia’s oldest wine region, with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Its warm, humid climate, moderated by proximity to the coast, offers unique ripening conditions—particularly advantageous for Semillon, which develops remarkable flavour concentration at low alcohol levels. The valley’s patchwork of sandy loam and volcanic soils further contributes to the signature crispness, longevity, and mineral edge found in its best white wines. Over the years, Hunter Valley has garnered a global reputation for producing world-class Semillon and has played a pioneering role in shaping Australia’s wine identity.

When it comes to food pairing, Tallawanta Vineyard Semillon’s vibrant acidity and citrus-driven profile make it a wonderful companion for delicate seafood dishes such as oysters, prawns, or seared scallops. Its refreshing character cuts through the richness of lightly battered fish, and it matches elegantly with Asian-inspired cuisine, particularly sashimi or Thai-style salads. For a more local touch, pair it with Sydney rock oysters or a traditional barramundi fillet, simply grilled with lemon and herbs.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled, ideally at 8-10°C. Pour young to appreciate its vivacity and focus, but don’t hesitate to keep a few bottles aside, should you wish to discover how beautifully Hunter Valley Semillon can evolve with a few years’ patience.