Cookoothama Range by Nugan Estate – from the Banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Riverina
The Cookoothama range is a perfect stepping stone into the realm of Nugan Estate wines. The Cookoothama Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz and Botrytis Semilon (dessert wine) over-deliver on quality. The entire collection is brilliant value.
Read on to discover the Nugan Estate indoor winery, ‘barrel cave’, and tasting notes or go to the Summer Hill Wine Shop website to browse and order.
Nugan Estate
Established in 1938, The Nugan Estate story started with Alfredo and Annelise who had left their homeland in Spain for the hills and rivers of southern New South Wales(*1). Over eight decades later (and three generations), the Nugan Estate is one of the top 20 performing wineries in Australia(*2). This is an incredible feat given the number of wineries in NSW and ACT has increased by 298 since 1987(*3).
An Australian Innovator
The Nugan family are a true-blue Australian success story who have found continued success through innovation, grit and passion for wine. Not only have they developed an extraordinary way to grow and make wine, but they are doing it sustainably, ensuring the Estate continues to over-deliver year in, and year out for future generations.
Unique Purpose-Built Indoor Winery
The estate and surrounding natural areas are kept pristine with their indoor winery. The huge purpose-built building has in-built water filtration with wastewater being recycled and used in their surrounding gardens(*1). It also naturally protects from temperature changes and weather damage(*1).
![Cookoothama Wines Nugan Estate from the Banks of the Murrumbidgee River](https://www.summerhillwineshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cookoothama-Wines-Nugen-Winery.png)
The Barrel Cave
Underneath the estate lies an immense area for wine ageing in American and French barrels. This is aptly called the ‘barrel cave’(*1).
Cookoothama Wines
Situated along the stunning Riverina region, the Cookoothama vineyard is positioned by the Murrumbidgee River in south-west NSW(*1). “Cookoothama” originates from the Australian Aboriginal term, meaning ‘fertile land’(*4).
![Cookoothama Wines Chardonnay Nugan Estate from the Banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Buy now.](https://www.summerhillwineshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Chardonanay-Cookoothama-661x800.jpg)
Nugan Estate Cookoothama Chardonnay, Riverina
• Aroma: Fresh peach and nectarine with allspice(*5).
• Palate: Bright and crisp acidity accompanies nuances of stone fruits and brioche(*5).
• Finish: Refreshing and crisp(*5).
• Food Pairing: Highly versatile food wine. Consider pairing with classic white wine poultry or seafood dishes such as lobster or cod.
Price: From $13.99.
Nugan Estate Cookoothama Cabernet Merlot, Riverina
• Aroma: Dark berries and allspice(*6).
• Palate and Finish: Harvesting during the cool evening temperatures locked in concentrated fruit flavours of plum and blackcurrant(*6,7). The infusions of dark chocolate and herbs with oak and smooth tannins make for a rich palate and finish(*6,7).
• Food Pairing: You will be forgiven for drinking this wine as it is or it can be paired with just about any meat dish. Try pairing it with lamb shanks, flavoursome winter stews or spiced curries(*6).
Price: From $13.99.
![Cookoothama Wines Cabernet Merlot Nugan Estate from the Banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Buy now.](https://www.summerhillwineshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cabernet-merlot-cookoo2-661x800.jpg)
![Cookoothama Pinot Noir 2023 Nugan Estate from the Banks of the Murrumbidgee River](https://www.summerhillwineshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pinot-Noir-cookoothama-661x800.jpg)
Nugan Estate Cookoothama Pinot Noir, Riverina
• Aroma: Complex layering with black fruits starring alongside notes of spice and tobacco(*8).
• Palate: Englufing the palate are cassis fruit and black cherry(*8).
• Finish: Nuances of vanilla bean and cedar ride rich and silky tannins(*8).
• Food Pairing: Roasts such as duck or pork, or a wild mushroom risotto.
Price: From $13.99.
Nugan Estate Cookoothama Shiraz, Riverina
• Aroma: Brooding dark chocolate and blood plum are fused with earthiness, coffee beans and allspice(*9).
• Palate: This deep crimson Shiraz is full-flavoured and richly flavoured with black cherry and plum compote. Fruits meld seamlessly with mocha, earth and a sprinkle of spiced oak(*9).
Food Pairing: Traditional red meat dishes go well with this Shiraz while the spice notes perfectly complement spiced meats such as Thai beef salad.
Price: From $13.99.
![Cookoothama Wines Shiraz 2021 Nugan Estate from the Banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Buy now.](https://www.summerhillwineshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shiraz-Cookoothama-2021-657x800.jpg)
![Cookoothama Wines Botrytis Semillon Nugan Estate from the Banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Buy now.](https://www.summerhillwineshop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Botrytis-Semillon-Cookoothama-657x800.jpg)
Nugan Estate Cookoothama Botrytis Semillon (Dessert Wine), Riverina
• Aroma: Dried apricots, orange zest and plump figs(*10).
• Palate: The star of the palate is the smooth apricot nectar. Sublime mouthfeel with nougat and lime zest(*10).
• Finish: Decadent, long and luscious(*10).
• Food Pairing: Pairs exquisitely with cheese or with a rich chocolate dessert(*10).
Price: From $19.99.
Visit the Store: 7 Lackey Street, Summer Hill NSW 2130
Call: 02 9798 7282
Message Online
References
*1. Nugan Estate. The Winery. 2021.
*2. Wine Titles. Australia’s Largest Wine Companies by Total Wine Production. 2024.
*3. Wine Titles. Number of Australian Wine Producers by State. 2024.
*4. Nugan Estate. Cookoothama. Instagram Post. 20 July, 2022.
*5. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2023 Nugan Estate Cookoothama Chardonnay Riverina. 2024.
*6. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2022 Nugan Estate Cookoothama Cabernet Merlot Riverina. 2024.
*7. Nugan Estate. Cookoothama Cabernet Merlot. 2024.
*8. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2023 Nugan Estate Cookoothama Pinot Noir Riverina. 2024.
*9. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2022 Nugan Estate Cookoothama Shiraz Riverina. 2024.
*10. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2022 Nugan Estate Cookoothama Botrytis Semillon Riverina. 2024.