Freeman Prosecco Altura Vineyard 2024

Freeman Vineyards is a boutique family-owned winery in the Hilltops region of New South Wales, renowned for its Italian-inspired wines and pioneering spirit. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Brian Freeman, a former head of wine science at Charles Sturt University. Brian transitioned from academia to winemaking, bringing deep viticultural expertise to the Hilltops region. Situated in Prunevale, Hilltops, at 560 metres above sea level, the vineyard benefits from cool nights and sunny days during ripening, deep granite soils mixed with red silt, sand from central Australia and well-drained terrain, ideal for growing high-quality grapes.

Freeman Vineyards is Australia’s only producer of the northern Italian grape varieties Rondinella and Corvina, used in their flagship Secco. Other Italian varietals include Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Aleatico, Prosecco, Fiano, Pinot Grigio, and an obscure varietal for Australia, Furmint. Their priority is well crafted wines with a focus on textural complexity, balance, and food-friendliness.

A white gold colour with gentle citrus highlights Freeman Prosecco displays a persistent fine dry, creamy effervescence and classic sherbet and pear aromas. Soft and yet sprightly on the palate with flavours of crunchy pear complemented by a smidge of creamy yeast complexity and delicate acidity, it refreshes to the very last sip. This delicate dry lightly effervescent wine brims with true Italian personality.

Ripe grapes are gently pressed prior to the initial fermentation in stainless steel vats. A portion is barrel fermented and lees stirred to contribute both complexity and creamy texture to the wine prior to its secondary tank fermentation – known in Italy as the ‘Metodo Martinotti’. Minimal dosage prior to bottling under cork creates a vivacious style that mirrors its European origins.

THE REAL REVIEW

Freeman Prosecco Altura Vineyard 2024 – 91 / 100 Points

Deep yellow colour tending to bronze. Hazelnuts and toasty oaky notes, rich and savoury aromas, the fruit imperceptible. Almond oil anchors the palate, with a tease of citrus fresh fruits and red apple sweetness on the mid-palate. This is serious and compelling, dancing to the beat of its own drum.

– Nick Butler