2024 De Iuliis Rose, Hunter Valley

The Leslie Kemeny Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Best Rosé

The De Iuliis story began in the Hunter Valley with the arrival of the De Iuliis family from Abruzzo, Italy, and today the winery stands among the region's most respected producers. Founded by Mike De Iuliis and now guided by the next generation, the estate has earned an enviable reputation for quality, consistency and innovation. Winemaker Steven Drayton continues to build on that legacy, crafting wines that combine regional character with modern drinkability.

While the Hunter Valley is renowned for Semillon and Shiraz, the region's warm days and cooling evening breezes are equally capable of producing vibrant, refreshing rosé. The 2024 Rosé is made in a contemporary dry style, with careful fruit selection and gentle handling preserving bright aromatics and freshness. The focus is firmly on purity, texture and balance rather than sweetness, resulting in a wine that is both versatile and immensely enjoyable.

A delicate pale pink colour fills the glass, followed by aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and watermelon, with hints of rose petal, blood orange and redcurrant. Bright and energetic, the palate delivers crunchy red berry flavours layered with subtle citrus notes and a refreshing mineral edge. Fine acidity provides excellent drive, while the finish remains crisp, dry and lingering, inviting another sip.

Perfect for a platter of freshly cooked prawns, salmon poke bowls, grilled calamari, Vietnamese rice paper rolls or a tomato and burrata salad. Equally suited to long lunches, warm afternoons and relaxed entertaining, this rosé captures the easy going spirit of the Hunter Valley. Best enjoyed over the next two to three years while its vibrant fruit and freshness are at their peak.