Mann was best-known for creating the Houghton White Burgundy, which is still an Australian favourite, now known as Houghton White Classic. Only 13 winemakers have ever had the privilege of being the caretakers of Houghton wines and today it is Ross Pamment as Senior Winemaker who carries its legacy.
More about Houghton Wines and Jack Mann
Pamment began his career at Houghton as Cellar Hand in 1989. In 2001, he was the first person to receive the Qantas Medal as a young winemaker who was quickly becoming recognised and in 2004 he was invited to attend the Len Evans Wine Tutorial.
As well as overseeing the winemaking team at Houghton Wines, Pamment is responsible for managing the Houghton White Classic style as well as creating small parcels of fine wines from Margaret River, Pemberton and Great Southern.
Here, drinks bulletin talks to Pamment about how the style of Houghton White Classic has evolved over the years, the wines Houghton is best-known for and plans to celebrate the winery's significant milestone.
drinks bulletin: Houghton White Burgundy was significant in establishing the winery in Australia back in the early 1900s. Which other wines are considered to have been Houghton’s best releases during its 180-year history?
Ross Pamment: Jack Mann gained a reputation as one of the leading fortified winemakers of his time. He won numerous awards in the wine shows in the eastern states for his sherry and liqueur styles.
During the transition to table wine, there were some fantastic reds made here. I have had the privilege of tasting some of the cabernet sauvignons made in the '60s and '70s, with fruit grown at the Houghton property. Jack Mann had a devotion to cabernet. Subsequently, the greatest release in my time has been the inaugural 1994 Jack Mann Cabernet sourced from the Frankland River region, south of Perth.
I'd like to think we make some pretty smart chardonnays here too. Although previous vintages of the Pemberton Chardonnay won great praise, particularly the 2002 vintage, it was the 2007 wine that set a benchmark with style and what we wanted to achieve.
DB: You are responsible for producing Houghton White Classic today. How has the wine evolved in style over the years?
RP: The wine made in the 1970s contributed to a swing away from beer drinking in Australia and gained popularity. It was dry, full-bodied, rich and flavoursome, with inherent softness and fresh acidity. The wine has evolved to a fresher style in line with consumer expectations, but I have been fairly conscious of retaining the origins of the Swan Valley; it is important to the style. It is still predominately chenin blanc blended with other varieties that work well in the area.
DB: You have been a winemaker at Houghton for 18 years. When you look at the portfolio, what do you think is the key to the long-term success of these wines?
RP: Simply the quest for quality. We have a great team of winemakers and viticulturists who achieve the best with what we've got. Houghton delivers in style, quality and value, but we tend to be undersold.
DB: Which of the wines that you have released at Houghton are you most proud of?
RP: The Icon reds we make, particularly the Jack Mann releases - they are extraordinarily good.
DB: How does the winery plan on celebrating its 180th anniversary?
RP: On Saturday 11 March, Houghton will host a picnic at our winery in the Swan Valley to celebrate turning 180. This is a huge milestone for us and one that we wanted to celebrate with everyone who has supported us and enjoyed our wines over the years. It will be free to attend and we will open online registrations early next year so that people can confirm their spot. People can enjoy live music in a beautiful setting on our winery grounds while toasting our anniversary with some wines that we are very proud of. We can’t wait and hope to see as many people there as possible.
Image: Ross Pamment, Senior Winemaker at Houghton Wines
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