2024 Hughes + Hughes Chardonnay, Southern Tasmania

Hughes + Hughes Chardonnay from Southern Tasmania is a refined, textural and beautifully balanced wine that showcases the precision and restraint for which this producer has become renowned. Crafted by brothers Jonny and Matt Hughes, it reflects their minimal-intervention philosophy and deep respect for Tasmania’s cool maritime climate. Every detail — from the hand harvesting to the wild fermentation and subtle oak handling — is aimed at capturing the natural elegance and purity of Tasmanian fruit.

The grapes are sourced from select vineyards across Southern Tasmania, where the region’s long, slow ripening season ensures intensity of flavour and crisp acidity. The fruit is whole bunch pressed and fermented using wild yeasts in a combination of French oak barriques and puncheons, a small portion of which are new. The wine remains on lees for several months to build complexity and texture, with gentle stirring to add savoury depth while maintaining precision and freshness.

In the glass it shows pale gold with a green hue. The nose is pure and expressive, offering white peach, lemon curd and grapefruit zest, layered with hints of almond, nougat and subtle flint. The palate is finely textured and beautifully balanced, showing vibrant citrus and stone fruit framed by delicate oak spice and mineral tension. The finish is long, elegant and saline, perfectly reflecting the cool southern coast from which it comes.

Hughes + Hughes Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roast chicken, scallops, grilled salmon or creamy risotto. It also complements mild curries or soft cheeses. Enjoy it now for its energy and brightness or cellar for up to eight years, when it will gain gentle nutty and honeyed complexity.