In episode 214 of The Drinking Hour, host David Kermode is joined by Ian Hongell, chief winemaker at Torbreck, one of the greatest estates in Australian wine.
Taking over as chief winemaker in 2017, Hongell had big shoes to fill but with more than 30 years of winemaking experience under his belt and the knowledge gained from growing up in the region, he was well placed to assume stewardship of the estate. Throughout the episode, Hongell discusses what makes Barossa so special. From the soils to the landscape that varies from 140 to 550m above sea level, Hongell explains the natural circumstances that enable Torbreck’s wines to shine.
Hongell explains the work and care that goes into nurturing the estate’s old vines, whose age and quality fruit contribute so much to the wines he makes. Cultivating Syrah, Grenache and many other Mediterranean grapes, the winemaker also extolls the potential of growing white Rhône varieties in Barossa and discusses what the future holds for Torbreck.
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