Freeman’s 2012 Altura Freeman Nebbiolo was named the Hilltops “Wine of the Year” at the luncheon on the weekend.

While Nebbiolo is a relative newcomer to the Australian wine scene, it’s one of Italy’s best-known red grape varieties.  

The Peter Robertson Trophy for “Wine of the Year” was accepted by Brian Freeman’s daughter, Xanthe Freeman, who is heavily involved in the winemaking process. 

Brian said they were not expecting to win the award, especially for that wine. 

He said the Hilltops region was making a name for itself as a winemaking region.

“This region certainly produces some really good reds,” he said.

Freeman’s has focused on northern Italian origin wines since it came to the region in 1999. 

With the cool nights and warm days, as well as its location on the South West Slopes, he said the Nebbiolo has adapted particularly well to the region.    

The wine, made from the Nebbiolo grape from Piedemont, is traditionally aged for a number of years. 

Both Xanthe and Brian have spent time in northern Italy, studying winemaking. 

Brian said a lot of their success could be attributed to their winemaking process.

“Our focus has been on doing something a bit different,” he said.

“We can get the grapes into the winery within minutes of getting them off the vine.”

Brian and Xanthe were particularly pleased with the comments of guest wine judge Lester Jesberg, founder of the Winewise magazine.

“Anyone who can make a wine like this deserves an award,” he said.