Angullong continues to champion the emerging flavours of Orange, with the release of six new wines in its Fossil Hill range. The cool-climate vineyard, located on the south-eastern foothills of Mount Canobolas, continues to explore alternative varieties well suited to the region’s unique conditions.
The new releases include the 2024 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Barbera, 2023 Sangiovese, 2023 Tempranillo, 2023 Montepulciano, 2023 Shiraz, and 2023 Chardonnay ($30).
The Fossil Hill wines are named for the abundance of fossils found throughout Angullong’s high-elevation vineyards, as well as in the limestone caves beneath the property. These Ordovician sea-shell fossils speak to the region’s ancient history as a seabed some 450 million years ago.
While the land itself is ancient, the varieties are still finding their place in the Australian market.
“After more than 20 years, these varieties are slowly becoming more mainstream,” says owner and vigneron Ben Crossing.
“Restaurants and independent bottle shops are keen to support them, as they are medium-bodied, bright, and offer excellent value. As pricing comes under increasing pressure, we’re mindful to keep these wines accessible for customers who want to branch out from more traditional varieties.
“These wines are not overly high in alcohol. They’re lighter than some of the older styles and are ideal to enjoy with food. We believe our vineyard captures their varietal character exceptionally well.”
Recent vintages have further strengthened confidence in the range. “The last couple of vintages have been very good in Orange, and the expertise and experience of winemaker Jeff Byrne has helped shape our evolving winemaking style. We’ve noticed a real improvement, and the close relationship between our vineyard and Jeff’s winemaking gives us great confidence for the future.”
All Angullong Fossil Hill wines are estate-grown at the Angullong vineyard, which sits on the 600-metre boundary of the Orange Region GI, rising to approximately 700 metres above sea level.
“The site works particularly well for these varieties,” says Crossing. “It’s slightly warmer than the higher vineyards, which helps ensure good physiological ripeness, with freshness, natural acidity and balance.”
Pricing and Distribution:
The Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ range retail for $30. The wines are distributed in NSW by Sword Distribution. The wines are also available directly from the Cellar Door and via angullong.com.au.
For further information, interviews and images please contact:
- David Cumming at Define Wine Marketing & Communications: 0414 736 342 or david@definewine.com.au
- Ben Crossing, General Manager at Angullong Wines: 0428 586 802 or ben@angullong.com.au
Angullong Wines is located on the picturesque foothills of Orange’s Mount Canobolas in Wiradjuri country. The property has been in the Crossing family since 1950 and has been run as a successful sheep and cattle station prior to diversifying into grape growing and winemaking in 1998. Angullong’s cellar door is located in historic bluestone stables in the village of Millthorpe. The wines are made in Orange by Jeff Byrne.