Australian Formula 1 superstar Daniel Ricciardo has partnered with St Hugo to create a new series of wines called DR3 x St Hugo.
Over a long-term partnership, Ricciardo will work with St Hugo chief winemaker Peter Munro, who will share with him the tricks of the winemaking trade including vineyard practices, winemaking techniques, maturation and blending.
Ricciardo’s involvement in the process will increase each year as his knowledge and experience in the wine industry builds.
Ricciardo said, “I’m approaching the partnership in the same way I approach aspects of my racing. I may not be the engineer who physically finesses the car, but I am the one who is driving it, and I have an instinct for what feels right. I share that with the team so the car can be optimised.
“With winemaking, I’ll take a similar approach, and in this instance, Peter is the engineer. Pete and I work well together, and we want to challenge ourselves to go out of our comfort zones to produce something particularly special.
“I grew up around wine, it’s in my blood. Along with my Italian heritage and my family’s love of sharing wine, my dad is a bit of a hobby winemaker and I have been surrounded by the passion for wine since I was young.
“I’m quite a curious kid, I always love learning things, and wine is a true craft, and I want to get in and get my hands dirty and make really spectacular wine that provides a unique perspective on what fine wine is.
“And to be able to do this with St Hugo’s winemaker, Peter Munro, one of Australia’s best winemakers, is a real privilege. It also guarantees the wines will taste great.”
The first release of the DR3 series has seen Ricciardo work closely with Munro to taste a broad selection of wines and select his two favourites for release under the DR3 x St Hugo label: a Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Barossa Shiraz 2014. They are $65 each.
Ricciardo has also driven the development of the packaging and campaign look and feel.
“Daniel has an insightful way of communicating his appreciation of wine that will only get better over time as he hones his winemaking skills,” Peter Munro said.
“The collaboration is a blend of the love of fine wines and the desire to capture Daniel’s character into the distinctive St Hugo style that represents ‘passion, power and precision’, creating wine that will continue to excite and energise the Australian wine-drinking audience.
“We’re really setting the bar high for what is to come.”
Each bottle of the limited edition first release DR3 x St Hugo will be individually numbered and presented in a premium gift box.
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