Foreign Friends “Hilma” Barbera 2024
Short Summary:A bold yet elegant Barbera from King Valley, Victoria, Australia, with rich blueberry, clove, spice, and earthy notes, fine tannins, and a long, savory finish — perfect with creamy risotto, braised meats, or pasta with mushrooms.
About this wine
Foreign Friends “Hilma” Barbera 2024 is a small‑batch, minimal‑intervention red wine made from 100% Barbera grapes grown in the King Valley region of Victoria, Australia. Sourced from high‑altitude vineyards and vinified with care, this wine reflects both regional cool‑climate freshness and Barbera’s innate vibrancy.
Tasting notes
Medium‑bodied with aromas of warm vanilla, clove spice, and fresh blueberry, evolving into earthy, umami‑tinged layers on the palate. Soft, velvety tannins and bright acidity guide a long, memorable finish that’s both juicy and structured.
Style & winemaking
Produced using low‑intervention, hands‑off techniques, the grapes were 100% destemmed and fermented on skins for two weeks before aging in old French oak over winter and spring. This approach preserves natural fruit expression, depth, and textural complexity.
Food pairing
Pairs beautifully with:
Creamy risotto with mushrooms
Braised or roasted meats
Tomato‑based pasta dishes
Charcuterie and soft cheeses
Producer & region
Crafted by Foreign Friends, a collaborative Australian winery based in Beechworth and King Valley, known for terroir‑driven, expressive wines that celebrate both grape and place. This Barbera embodies Victoria’s cool‑climate elegance, bright fruit energy, and savory complexity.
Shipping & storage
Store in a cool, dark place, ideally at 14–18°C. Best enjoyed now or within 3–5 years to experience balanced fruit, spice, and structure.
FAQs
Q: What is the grape variety?A: 100% Barbera.
Q: Should this wine be chilled?A: Yes — for an approachable profile, serve slightly cool at 14–16°C.
Q: Can it be cellared?A: Yes — best enjoyed within 3–5 years to preserve its bright fruit and elegant structure.
Born over a love of wine, travel and friendship, Foreign Friends was founded by sisters Leila and Crystal and close friend Juliette who met in Beechworth close to a decade ago.
Working in wine distribution as a rep, Juliette moved to Australia from France in 2016 where the trio then met in Beechworth, a special childhood place for Leila and Crystal. Spent together were many vintages, family holidays and harvest parties, from which Foreign Friends was brought to life.