24, October 2023

Look Back: 2022 Best Wine of Show

In October 2022 Hither & Yon were awarded the trophy for the Best Wine of Show in the 2022 McLaren Vale Wine Show for the Hither & Yon 2021 Aglianico, seeing brothers Malcolm and Richard Leask crowned McLaren Vale Bushing Monarchs for the second time.

The Bushing win was a nice nod for being future minded, planting Aglianico at Sand Road in 2008 was pretty interesting at the time, but we thought it was a right fit variety for the environment here in McLaren Vale.

We trust it gives other grower's confidence, that with time, being brave on variety selection and farming well can reward, in more ways than one. We are proud to have represented the region for this year, but we know that many others have paved the way for us here.

Thank you to our team for the great work and to the local community for the amazing support. ~ Malcolm Leask, Hither & Yon

So what is Aglianico?

Aglianico, pronounced ah-L’YEE’AH-nee-koh, is a black grape variety that originates from Southern Italy. The variety is well suited to the warm maritime climate of McLaren Vale, is late ripening and generally has firm tannins and fresh acidity which contribute to and elegant wine.

Hither & Yon 2021 Aglianico

The Hither & Yon Aglianico, planted in 2008, was grown on a small 0.8 hectare block within a certified sustainable vineyard under the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification and is a certified carbon neutral wine through Climate Active.

The geology of the vineyard block is Christies Beach Formation, alluvial fan of sand, clay and gravel. The soil is red alluvial clay with some small pebbled sandstone deposits from the nearby creek.

Tasting note

Colour: black ruby, purple hue.

Aroma: satsuma plum, tobacco leaf, lanolin, ferrous notes.

Palate: black cherry and anise, wild mint and sage leaves, dark chocolate, a stony edge to the tannins, savoury with refreshing length.

Food pairing

Vegetarian; Artichoke and parmigiano risotto, finished in oven, serve with spring peas, feta, oregano.
Fish; Snapper with agrodolce sauce, lemon wedges, asparagus and green beans.

Following their Best Wine of Show win, the Hither & Yon 2021 Aglianico flew off the shelves but you can still get your Aglianico fix with their 2019 Aglianico available to purchase at hitherandyon.com.au

📷 Jack Fenby