Australian Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo is partnering with Pernod Ricard Winemakers label St Hugo to create a new series of annual fine wines.
The DR3 x St Hugo series will see Ricciardo work closely with St Hugo’s chief winemaker, Peter Munro, with the first release of the DR3 label featuring a Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Barossa Shiraz 2014.
Munro welcomed Ricciardo’s input into the new range, saying: “Daniel has an insightful way of communicating his appreciation of wine that will only get better over time as he hones his winemaking skills.
“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 and are available to buy online from 10 March 2021, with a $65 RRP.
Ricciardo’s involvement in the process will increase each year as his knowledge and experience grows. Munro said he will show Ricciardo the tricks of the winemaking trade including vineyard practices, winemaking techniques, maturation and blending.
Excited to be part of the new venture, Ricciardo said he is going to approach his partnership in the same way he does with aspects of his 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. 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.”