Where next for Aussie pinot noir?
Australian pinot noir can now stand on its own on the world stage. Tasmania and Victoria have the best spots so far.
Australia’s Little Italy
Along with the continuing pinot grigio craze, the buzz around Italian varietals is extending to some rather serious reds, and it is Victoria, with its rich heritage of Italian migrants, that is leading the field on the Australo-Italian front.
Smoke tainted wine
Smoke taint is a complex issue. Bush fires near vineyards can cause smoke compounds to be taken up by the fruit and these persist through fermentation into the wine. What can be done?
De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2008, Victoria, Australia
One of an ad hoc selection of wines that have made me sit up, take notice and smile with renewed enthusiasm: raised eyebrows; a skipped heartbeat; a ‘yum’ on my tasting score, or some such.
Australian pinot noir
Pinot noir is a notoriously capricious and fastidious grape variety, demanding specific sites to perform at its best. Australia is getting to grips with the variety for high quality wine production.
