This is what it is written on this intriguing and nice label of “The Scallywag” – Chardonnay 2018 by Hugh Hamilton Wines, with a black sheep in the background.
In fact this black sheep is the symbol of this South Australian wine producer that appears on all of its labels. Why black sheep? Because this is how Hugh Hamilton defines himself. He is the fifth of the six generations who identify one of the oldest Australian wineries that in 2017 celebrated 180 years of family winemaking. So we are talking about audacity, experience, high quality (the winery is reputed among the best Australian wineries) and I would add originality, too.
Hugh Hamilton is a black sheep because he wants to stay far from normality and standard levels, because he seeks something unique and gets it in each of his wines.
But let’s get to the tasting: this Scallywag produced from Chardonnay grapes, grown about 40 km south of Adelaide, has a pale straw yellow color with silver reflections. Once opened, it releases a very intense floral scent, jasmine and broom, exhilarating . After a few minutes, also due to the effect of a slightly higher temperature, a bouquet of ripe and sweet tropical fruits such as pineapple and passion fruit comes out, but always with pleasant and delicate sensations, without being heavy or unbalanced.
In the mouth it is medium acid and very persistent without being too invasive, extremely harmonious.
For me it is a Chardonnay with above average quality , not at all complicated, suitable to pair vegetable dishes, white meats and not too fatty first courses.
I tried to bring Australia to Milan, so I paired it with a saffron risotto: excellent result.
Happy to feel like a black sheep, too!