Every good restaurant – particularly those with an AGFG Chef Hat – has a dedicated Sommelier or Beverage Manager taking care of a carefully curated wine list to accompany the menu.
Who better to ask what’s trending in the vino world right now than these knowledgeable wine buffs? Cheers to our ‘Wine of the Week’ series, where we highlight particular wines on the radar of restaurants around the country.
Take the scenic drive through Warragul to discover Gippsland’s hidden gem, Hogget Kitchen. Perched above the rolling green vineyard of Wild Dog Winery, Hogget Kitchen offers a place to unwind, with a wide-open front deck offering views of the countryside as far as the eye can see; while a stylish interior oozes contemporary charm with set tables of sparkling wine glasses, folded cloth napkins and a flood of natural light through tall windows drawing the outside in.
General Manager Kylie Wilson recommends trying William Downie's 2021 Bull Swamp with your next Winter meal.
"This delicate, cool climate, Gippsland Pinot Noir is produced from the vineyard here at Wild Dog where Hogget Kitchen is situated,” Kyle explains. "Bill and the Downie family are our dear friends and have supported Hogget greatly over the years. Bill has been instrumental in the restaurant's beginning and evolution and its success.
"We will be forever grateful for all his help and efforts in making our region better known for food and wine, by showcasing what it has to offer and flying the flag for Gippsland.”
Bull Swamp is a rich and well-structured wine showing the site's beauty and the winemaker's skilled hand. Part of the complexity of the wine comes from not only the age of the vines, but also the varied aspects – some facing north, others south – as well as the clones.
Pair this drop with char-grilled steak, roast lamb or hearty cassoulets such as duck and beef bourguignon.
