Hughes & Hughes 'Solstice' 2022

The Hughes & Hughes 'Solstice' 2022 is a fascinating and expressive wine from Tasmania, showcasing the cool-climate winemaking prowess of this rising star winery. Hughes & Hughes is known for its minimal-intervention approach, allowing the unique Tasmanian terroir to shine. The Solstice series often blends several varieties to create wines of complexity, vibrancy, and depth. The 2022 vintage reflects Tasmania’s cool maritime climate, with crisp acidity and elegant fruit flavours that highlight the region’s growing reputation for high-quality, distinctive wines.

Appearance: Pale straw with a brilliant, clear hue, showcasing its freshness and youth.

Aroma: The nose is bright and aromatic, with a blend of citrus notes such as lemon zest and lime, alongside white peach and green apple. There are also subtle floral hints, including jasmine and honeysuckle, complemented by a touch of wet stone minerality.

Taste: On the palate, this wine is lively and refreshing, offering flavours of citrus and stone fruits like nectarine and peach, balanced by crisp acidity. The texture is smooth with a slight salinity, adding depth to the wine, while the minerality provides structure and a refined finish. There’s a delicate herbal note, likely reflecting the cool climate and the natural winemaking approach.

Finish: The finish is clean and long, with lingering citrus and mineral notes, leaving a refreshing, mouth-watering sensation.

Food pairing: This wine pairs wonderfully with fresh seafood dishes like oysters, prawns, or grilled white fish, where its acidity and minerality enhance the delicate flavours. It also complements light salads, soft cheeses like goat cheese, or even dishes with an Asian influence, such as sashimi or spicy Thai cuisine, where the wine’s freshness and acidity balance the bold flavours.