Wine Lesson 161
Sun Herald
Sunday May 4, 2008
Australasian pinot noir is better value than ever
Now that producers in Australia and New Zealand are gaining knowledge of how and where to propagate and vinify pinot noir, they are achieving excellent results with this difficult variety. It arrived in Australia in the early 1830s and was originally grown in areas, such as Coonawarra, that were too warm for this cool-climate grape. Instead, it thrives in the Mornington Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Tasmania and Great Southern, as well as New Zealand's Canterbury, Marlborough, Otago and Nelson. One of the most exciting aspects of pinot is the wonderful range of styles emerging - from light, sappy, bright wines reminiscent of red fruits (cherries, strawberries, raspberries) to intense, tannic wines more in the dark-berry spectrum. Sally Gudgeon Red Claw Pinot Noir 2006, $25Mornington Peninsula producer Yabby Lake is behind this bright, red berry fruit-driven style. It's supple and lively with poised acid. Match it with tuna steaks. Main Divide Pinot Noir 2006, $29From the Waipara Valley in Canterbury, on NZ's South Island, this pinot smells of red cherries and earth. It's medium-bodied with a savoury finish. Try it with mushroom risotto. Bradach Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006, $28This pinot from Moyston, Victoria, which is better known for shiraz, is a surprise. It smells of plums and dark chocolate and it's full and rich on the palate. Serve it with roast duck.All wine prices are approximate
© 2008 Sun Herald
