Every box of raisins is a tragic tale of grapes that could have been wine!
Every wine deserves to have a day dedicated to its consumption and none more so than Pinot Noir.
Pinot is a fantastic wine, but a temperamental grape – with its rich colour and complex flavours, it is considered one of the most hedonistic drops ever made.
To celebrate International Pinot Noir Day on Wednesday August, 18 pick up a bottle of your favourite red and beat lockdown blues at home with a glass of vino and cheese platter.
Named after the dark colour of the grapes used to create the wine, Pinot prefers cooler climates and can be finicky to age due to its thin skin; for those willing to put in the effort to produce this drop, it rewards with a delicious bounty on the palate.
Say ‘cheers’ on Wednesday with four of our favourites:
Perched on the slopes of an ancient volcanic range and enjoying expansive views overlooking Marion Bay, Cape Bernier vineyard on Bream Creek Road presents an exciting culinary adventure of farm life, wine and food. An ideal day trip where you can sample fine wines, enjoy local cheese platters and produce, this winery also hosts monthly live music, cooking classes and yoga sessions.
Cape Bernier’s Pinot Noir from the east coast of Tasmania.
Cape Bernier Pinot Noir Amphora is an elegant wine made using ancient winemaking techniques, where the grapes are hand-selected from the vine and fermented with wild yeast in clay amphora for 120 days. The resulting wine is light in colour, but packs a punch of intense fruit character such as black cherry and liquorice, complemented by soft and fine tannins – drink now or cellar for 5-8 years to enjoy its full potential.
In comparison, Cape Bernier’s Pinot Noir 2018 has been open-vat fermented and matured for nine months in French oak. Black cherry fruit aromas are complemented by a solid tannic underbelly and the savoury spice flavours characteristic of the vineyard.
Established for more than a decade, ArtWine Estate award-winning labels are best enjoyed at their cellar door, tucked into the Adelaide Hills along Bird in Hand Road in Woodside. Those who visit can admire views across sweeping landscapes all year round from the comfort of an architecturally designed venue; while tasting a range of varietals from three vineyards across the Clare Valley.
ArtWine Estate cellar door in the Adelaide Hills at Woodside.
Saint Vincent Pinot Noir 2017 was named in honour of the patron saint of wine, who is celebrated during the famous wine festival Saint Vincent Tournante held annually in annually in January in the home of Pinot Noir, Burgundy. This wine has aromas of enticing florals and strawberries on the nose, leading to a fresh palate of cherries with spicy notes and hints of earthy leafiness.
Located on a stunning elevated position above the Great Dividing Range and Lockyer Valley, Preston Peak Wines in Toowoomba boasts lush, sweeping landscapes and an extensive panorama over the surrounding region.
Preston Peak Wines cellar door in Toowoomba.
Drop by the cellar door for a tasting of a broad variety of wines including the 2012 Pinot Noir – cloves, cinnamon and strawberries combine perfectly for a complex aroma profile; while raspberries and ripe red fruit fill the palate with hints of truffle oil. The finish has complexity and length, making this drop ideal for pairing with dishes like roasted squab and roasted root vegetables.
Wherever you are on Wednesday, take time to wine down and love the wine you’re with!
