2024 Hungerford Hill Fiano, Hilltops

A fabulous fiano with the perfect mix of flavour, freshness and tension, reflecting its cool-climate origins. Subtle lemon notes, a touch of honeysuckle and a hint of crushed nut biscuit. The palate offers lovely power, texture and intensity, yet retains purity and grace. Good length, with acidity channelling the flavours seamlessly through the palate.

95 points Special Value Toni Paterson MW winecompanion.com.au

Hungerford Hill Fiano from Hilltops is a vibrant and expressive take on one of Italy’s most characterful white varieties. Grown in the cool elevations of the Hilltops region in southern New South Wales, this Fiano benefits from a climate that offers warm days and crisp nights, perfect for preserving natural acidity while allowing flavour to fully develop.

The wine is crafted by winemaker Bryan Currie, who brings a thoughtful, minimalist approach to the cellar. Fruit is picked early to retain freshness, then gently pressed and fermented cool in stainless steel to capture the grape’s aromatic intensity and lively texture. Some lees stirring post-fermentation adds a creamy mid-palate without dulling the crisp, saline edge that makes this variety so food friendly.

Expect lifted aromas of preserved lemon, pear skin, green almond, and wildflowers. On the palate it’s all citrus zest, white nectarine, and crushed herbs with a slight nuttiness and a chalky mineral texture that speaks of the Hilltops’ granitic soils. There's a lovely phenolic grip that brings shape and energy to the wine, making it far more than a simple summer sipper.

Food pairings include grilled swordfish with lemon and capers, crispy skin chicken with fennel and orange, or a rich mushroom risotto with pecorino. It also works beautifully with Mediterranean antipasti or fried zucchini flowers. Best enjoyed young and vibrant but will hold for three to five years.