A true visionary and a man of great intellect, Hugo Gramp was a linguist, businessman and expert winemaker who felt a great sense of connection with Australian terroir, which he proved to the world, could create internationally acclaimed, award winning fine wines. The modern iteration of St Hugo was launched with the 1980 vintage to honour Hugo Gramp, the grandson of Johann Gramp who planted his first vines in the Barossa Valley in 1847. Hugo Gramp succeeded his father at the head of the Gramp & Sons family business, at the age of 25. Hugo's leadership and passion for wine set the company on a path of extraordinary growth.
Hugo's pride in his craft was expressed through the meticulous quality of the wines produced under his stewardship. He pursued without pause this drive for on-going quality improvements. Hugo was a man of power and influence within the Australian wine industry, and his humble disposition earned the respect and admiration of those who knew this true gentleman. St Hugo wines represent an acknowledgment of Hugo Gramp's relentless pursuit of the highest quality wines. His winemaking philosophies are still respected by winemakers today. Hugo's legacy is captured in every bottle of St Hugo.
The St Hugo crest is a contemporary update of the Gramp family moniker designed by Hugo Gramp himself. The Latin words Vetus and Purum, that Hugo chose to adorn the crest, reflect his belief that fine wine starts with terroir and in the vineyards. Vetus means ancient and refers to ancient soils and vines of the Barossa Valley – the oldest in the world.
Purum meaning purity, is a reference to the most remote and unadulterated wine region on earth, South Australia's Coonawarra. Together, Ancient Purity talks to the guiding principles Hugo believed to be important from the very beginning of the highest quality fine wines winemaking process.
Hugo Gramp is at the heart of the house style of St Hugo. Just like the man himself, the wines have always been a delicate balance of Power and Elegance, a telling tribute to the man whose vision inspired all who knew him. St Hugo has captured the hearts of Australian fine wine consumers and critics alike and has grown in popularity to become Australia’s favourite Coonawarra. St Hugo has also earned over 1000 awards including 29 trophies and 173 Gold Medals since the 1st vintage. Consistent with Hugo’s conviction about creating the highest quality wines, St Hugo quality is never compromised, the wine is only created from the finest vintages. When the vintage is up to St Hugo standards, it is only highest quality 1% of fruit that makes the grade.
St Hugo are only ever sourced from Coonawarra and Barossa Valley, home to the world’s oldest wines and soils, the most remote and pure wine regions on earth. St Hugo is a wine to be savoured by those creating a better life for the next generation.
