Dornfelder you say? This is the second most planted red variety in Germany. It is well known for its intense colour, crisp acidity and powerful tannins, and as such it is a variety that is more commonly blended than seen on its own. It's a very interesting wine, and not just because it is unusual. The colour in the glass is inky purple and the wine is fresh and bright. The main aromatics are of rich blackberries, dark cherry and loads of liquorice and anise. It's only medium bodied, but has dusty mouth-filling tannins, and a trail of precise acidity. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it is certainly unique, and another reason why Tasmania might just be this countries most exciting region at the moment.

Brothers Matthew and Jonathan Hughes established Mewstone Vineyard on the banks of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel in the tiny hamlet of Flowerpot, south of Hobart. The vineyard is a former cherry orchard and now grows a selection of varieties beautifully suited to cool climate viticulture and sensitive winemaking. Jonny is the winemaker in this family venture. He studied winemaking in New Zealand before working all round Australia, plus Central Otago, Barolo and the Okanagan Valley in Canada! Heading home to Tasmania, Jonny settled in as the Assistant Winemaker at Moorilla in Hobart for seven years. Hughes & Hughes is a sort-of sub-venture, that focuses more on the winemaking. Sourcing quality grapes from other local vineyards, Hughes & Hughes is focussed on artisanal winemaking techniques that are less common in todays industrial winemaking Producing in small batches means there's a whole lot of love in these unique creations.