Varietal. In a more general sense, is ‘relating to, characteristic of, or forming a variety,’ – but when it comes to wine, the meaning (like the wine) is more refined. ‘Varietal: (of a wine or grape) made from or belonging to a single specified variety of grape and typically displaying that name on the label.’ The Hunter Valley is bursting with varietals that are as individual as the terroir that produced them, so in this Special Issue of Your Hunter Valley Magazine, we explore the most awarded and illustrious varietals our region has on offer. Of course, it would be remiss of us not to pay tribute to the two varietals that the region is most recognised for – Semillon and Shiraz. So strong is Semillon’s connection with the terroir of the Hunter Valley that the style cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. Hunter Valley Semillon is widely regarded as Australia’s unique white wine. Despite the regions harsh growing conditions, Hunter Valley Shiraz is considered amongst the most notorious in Australia.
