Freeman Vineyards: A Showcase of Estate-Grown Excellence
This week at Canberra Wine and Spirit Merchants, we had the pleasure of diving into a selection of wines from Freeman Vineyards. Estate grown and estate made, these six wines are true to their varieties but offer something extra—a perfect blend of flavour and balance. Despite their relatively high alcohol content, there’s no heat, just great winemaking and even better drinking. Here’s a closer look at the wines that made this tasting special:
Pinot Grigio 2023 (13% Alc.)
Carefully crafted from early harvest grapes, this Pinot Grigio is a refreshing treat. A lightly chilled glass reveals characteristic poached pear aromas nuanced by notes of elderflower blossom. The lime-tinged palate displays intense, refreshing flavor with good palate weight, finishing long with a minerally zing.
Fiano 2023 (13.5% Alc.)
This wine greets you with aromas of tropical fruit, peach, and honeysuckle. It’s a zingy, refreshing, and elegant wine with a gently textural, lingering citrussy mineral palate. As only the second release of this variety, it flags a bright future for Fiano in the cool, elevated Hilltops region.
Sangiovese 2022 (14% Alc.)
A striking bright garnet hue introduces this Sangiovese, with appealing aromas of dried cranberries and briary notes. The mid-weight palate is plush with rich flavors, subtle oak, and fine-grained tannins. It’s a beautifully balanced wine that’s both rich and approachable.
Rosso 2023 (13% Alc.)
This blend combines two northern Italian varieties, Corvina and Rondinella, typically used in Bardolino and Valpolicella. Unlike Freeman’s flagship Secco, which incorporates dried grapes, this savoury red blend is crafted solely from freshly harvested fruit. After pressing, the varietal parcels are fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly in old oak barrels before blending, creating a plush, easy-sipping ‘drink now’ style.
Secco 2017 (14.5% Alc.)
Inspired by northern Italy’s classic ripasso styles, Secco 2017 opens as a deceptively lighter red, revealing spiced berries, sage, and lingering umami notes. The garnet hues and mellow, persistent palate create an elegant wine with a savoury tannin frame. It’s a wine with captivating charm that will continue to evolve for many years.
Robusta 2015 (17% Alc.)
A 100% Corvina wine, Robusta 2015 is an unashamed blockbuster. It displays complex aromas of ripe blackberries, dried morello cherries, star anise, and panforte, mingled with earthy mushroom undertones, typical of classic Amarone wines. The fruit richness extends onto a powerful, penetrating palate—savoury, complex, and textural, with a mellow tannin frame. This mouth-warming wine will continue to evolve for years to come.
Freeman Vineyards has delivered a stunning lineup that perfectly captures the essence of their estate. These wines, with their distinct character and exceptional craftsmanship, offer a wonderful exploration of variety and flavor. Join us next week as we continue our journey through the world of wine. Cheers!
Freeman Robusta Corvina 2015
A$66.95
Freeman Secco 2017
A$55.95