PINOT NOIR EDUCATOR GUIDE
AUSTRALIAN WINE DISCOVERED PREPARING FOR YOUR CLASS THE MATERIALS
VIDEOS As an educator, you have access to a suite of teaching resources and handouts, You will find complementary video including this educator guide: files for each program in the Wine Australia Assets Gallery. EDUCATOR GUIDE We recommend downloading these This guide gives you detailed topic videos to your computer before your information, as well as tips on how to best event. Look for the video icon for facilitate your class and tasting. It’s a guide recommended viewing times. only – you can tailor what you teach to Loop videos suit your audience and time allocation. These videos are designed to be To give you more flexibility, the following played in the background as you optional sections are flagged throughout welcome people into your class, this document: during a break, or during an event. There is no speaking, just background ADVANCED music. Music can be played aloud, NOTES or turned to mute. Loop videos should Optional teaching sections covering be played in ‘loop’ or ‘repeat’ mode, more complex material. which means they play continuously until you press stop. This is typically an easily-adjustable setting in your chosen media player. COMPLEMENTARY READING Feature videos These videos provide topical insights Optional stories that add from Australian winemakers, experts background and colour to the topic. and other. Feature videos should be played while your class is seated, with the sound turned on and SUGGESTED clearly audible. DISCUSSION POINTS To encourage interaction, we’ve included some optional discussion points you may like to raise with your class. Consider asking them to work in small groups to answer the question and then report back to the class. If you would like more movement in your classroom, ask them to write the group responses down on sticky notes (one idea per note) and attach them to a wall or whiteboard.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide PRESENTATION SLIDES TASTING LIST The presentation follows the content in A editable tasting list template is available your guide and is designed for your in the Wine Australia Assets Gallery. attendees, using visuals and photography We strongly recommend filling this in to to convey key points. We recommend give to your class, so they have a record projecting it on a big screen so it’s clearly of what wines they tasted and where it visible to all attendees. can be purchased. There is a separate version of the CERTIFICATE presentation available with space for A downloadable participation certificate is student notes. You may like to print a also available in the Wine Australia Assets copy of this for each participant prior Gallery. You can add your logo and fill in to the event. the relevant course details before presenting An editable PowerPoint version of the to attendees. presentation is available on request. This guide and other complementary materials were COMPLEMENTARY HANDOUTS produced by Wine Australia in 2018. Information and statistics were correct at time of publication, but more You will find downloadable handouts in the up-to-date information may be available. Wine Australia Assets Gallery. These can be *Please note these documents, and any information, printed and distributed to your class. diagrams or images contained therein, must not be extracted, reproduced, or distributed except to the extent it has been expressly authorised under license from Wine Australia.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide SUGGESTED TIMINGS
This program is designed to be taught in one to three hours. How long you spend on each topic – or whether you cover it at all – will depend on your attendees as well as time allocation. Below are two different examples of how you may wish to divide your time.
ONE-HOUR CLASS THREE-HOUR CLASS
Time Time Topic (mins) Topic (mins)
Welcome and introduction 5 mins Welcome and introduction 10 mins
The history of The history of 3 mins 15 mins Australian Pinot Noir Australian Pinot Noir
How it’s grown 5 mins How it’s grown 15 mins
How it’s made 5 mins How it’s made 20 mins
Where it’s grown 15 mins Where it’s grown 30 mins
Characteristics and flavour 20 mins Break 15 mins profiles (including tasting)
Food and wine pairings 3 mins Characteristics and flavour 45 mins profiles (including tasting) Summary and class close 4 mins Food and wine pairing 10 mins
Pinot Noir by numbers 10 mins
Summary and class close 10 mins
Pinot Noir / Educator guide PREPARING F O R YOUR EVENT
3 WEEKS PRIOR Confirm event time and book venue Confirm equipment availability (glasses, projector, mats, etc.) Invite attendees (recommend setting an RSVP for 1 week prior to event).
1 WEEK PRIOR Reconfirm venue availability – check tables/chairs if being provided by venue Confirm number of attendees Review course content and make any required edits to presentation slides Select the wines (one bottle per 16 attendees). See suggested mix below Draft and print your tasting list in order of presentation (blank template provided).
1 DAY PRIOR Print attendee list Fill in and print relevant class handouts, including tasting sheets and participation certificates Collect and clean glassware Put wines in fridge to chill overnight, if required Double-check you have all equipment required to run the event.
3 HOURS PRIOR Check wines are at an appropriate temperature, with white and sparkling wines in the fridge Set up room Set up and test projector/laptop/iPad Ensure the venue manager is aware of the start time and location for the event and can direct attendees if necessary.
30 MINUTES PRIOR Gather the wines, using ice buckets with a 50:50 mix of ice and water for white and sparkling wines.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide YOU WILL NEED
SUGGESTED PINOT NOIRS TO TASTE PER ATTENDEE –– Adelaide Hills: Bird in Hand, Ngeringa, 1 glass for each wine you’ll Shaw and Smith. be tasting –– Tasmania: Josef Chromy Wines, Dalrymple, Moorilla. 600mL bottle of water –– Yarra Valley: Giant Steps, De Bortoli, 1 spittoon (plastic cups are Mac Forbes. suitable) –– Mornington Peninsula: Stonier, Palate cleansers, such as 10 Minutes by Tractor. water crackers Should you wish to extend the tasting, Tasting mats, wine list and the following regions and producers are other relevant handouts recommended: Pen. –– Geelong: Lethbridge Wines, Farr Rising. –– Macedon Ranges: Curly Flat, Bindi Wines, Cobaw Ridge Winery, Hanging Rock Winery. TO SET UP YOUR TRAINING ROOM –– Gippsland: Bass Phillip, William Downie, Moondarra. Tables and chairs to seat all participants –– Great Southern: Harewood Estate, Marchand & Burch. A table (or barrel) at the front –– Orange: Philip Shaw, See Saw Wines, for the wines Swinging Bridge, Brangayne. Ice and ice buckets to hold wines Corkscrew Wiping cloth or paper towel for spills Note: Projector and screen/wall –– Allow 1 bottle per 16 participants. Some classes may require –– Have a second bottle on hand for microphone and speakers. any wines sealed with cork to allow for cork taint issues. –– You can pre-pour red wine in Tip: advance if time is tight – wine Arrange tables and chairs to should be served at 15°C (60°F). encourage discussion. U-shaped room Avoid pre-pouring white or sparkling with a round table format is ideal. wine so it can be served chilled.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide AUSTRALIAN WINE DISCOVERED EDUCATION PROGRAM
The comprehensive, free education For enquiries, email program providing information, tools and [email protected] resources to discover Australian wine.
To access course presentation, videos and tasting tools, as well as other programs, visit Wine Australia supports the www.australianwinediscovered.com responsible service of alcohol. PROGRAM INFORMATION AND PRESENTATION SLIDES PINOT NOIR
AUSTRALIAN WINE DISCOVERED Winemaker, Punt Road Wines, Yarra Valley Yarra Wines, Road Punt Shand, Winemaker, Tim
Australia’s unique climate and landscape have fostered a fiercely independent wine scene, home to a vibrant community of growers, winemakers, viticulturists, and vignerons. With more than 100 grape varieties grown across 65 distinct wine regions, we have the freedom to make exceptional wine, and to do it our own way. We’re not beholden by tradition, but continue to push the boundaries in the pursuit of the most diverse, thrilling wines in the world. That’s just our way.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide AUSTRALIAN PINOT NOIR THE DIFFICULT Delicate Pinot Noir is a darling of the Australian wine community. DARLING Its journey started with a falter but it’s now a vital player in the evolution of Australian wine, with demand and quality at an all-time high.
LOOP VIDEO AUSTRALIAN PINOT NOIR: Now is a great time to play the THE DIFFICULT DARLING Pinot Noir loop video in the Thriving in some of Australia’s coolest background, as you welcome corners, temperamental Pinot Noir might people into your class. be a late-comer to the commercial wine community, but it has become an integral variety, with winemakers crafting unique FIRST TASTE Australian expressions. The delicate Pinot Noir is a darling of the This may be a good opportunity Australian wine world, having secured to give everyone a taste of a classic its place among the heavy-hitting reds Australian Pinot Noir. The full tasting while retaining a sense of elusiveness and comes later in the program. romanticism. It’s a notoriously fickle grape and one of the hardest to grow, earning it the nickname the ‘heartbreak grape’. But carefully grown on the right site and handled with skill in the winery, Pinot Noir is an outstanding wine of subtlety, elegance and finesse.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide In Australia, its journey started with a falter, DID YOU KNOW but it has taken great strides in recent times ‘Pinot’ comes from the French to become a vital player in the evolution word for pine, referring to the of Australian wine – and its popularity shape of the grape cluster, which continues to grow. is reminiscent of a pine cone. –– A slow start: Although Pinot Noir is ‘Noir’ means black or night. thought to be one of the world’s oldest grapes, Australian winemakers have only produced it in commercial quantities since the 1970s, when they began to find ideal sites for the temperamental vines. –– Growing global reputation: One of Australia’s better-kept wine secrets, Aussie Pinot is steadily making headway on the world wine stage as Australian producers hone their craft. –– Agony and ecstasy: Pinot Noir is one of the hardest grapes to grow and requires extra attention in the winery. But winemakers persevere because its sensitive nature also means it’s able to express terroir and produce authentically Australian interpretations. –– Cool-climate success: In Australia, Pinot Noir grows best in Australia’s coolest wine regions, producing elegant and restrained light-bodied to medium-bodied wines. –– A sparkling gem: As well as producing single-variety still wine, Pinot Noir is one of the three grape varieties used in Traditional Method sparkling wine. Around half of Pinot grown in Australia is used in sparkling styles.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide TO DAY
- The history of WE’LL Australian Pinot Noir - How it’s grown - How it’s made - Where it’s grown - Characteristics and flavour profiles COVER… - Pinot Noir by numbers
THE HISTORY 1920s Pinot Noir begins to find its OF AUSTRALIAN place in Australia, with wine legend Maurice O’Shea growing PINOT NOIR vines at Mount Pleasant in the Hunter Valley.
1830s 1970s Pinot Noir cuttings from Burgundy Pinot Noir begins to take are planted in Australia. Clones from off in Australia, with wineries these vines become known as the starting to produce commercial MV6 clones, still used today. amounts of wine. Clonal selection becomes important.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide TO DAY 1980s Australian Pinot Noir today is better The Australian wine community than ever, as vines grow older and expands into cool-climate the wine community learns more wine regions that are better about this unique grape. suited to Pinot Noir.
1990s Australia sees an influx of Dijon clones, adding to the diversity of clonal material available. Pinot becomes particularly successful in Victoria, Tasmania and Adelaide Hills.
THE HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN 1970s PINOT NOIR Although Pinot Noir had been in Australia While the popularity of Pinot Noir in for many years, it took a long time for it to Australia is relatively recent, this noble gain traction with Australian winemakers. variety has a long history. Originally brought Australia began commercial bottling of over in the 19th century, it took Australian Pinot Noir in the ‘70s. winemakers many years to find the right 1980s sites for the temperamental vine. Apart from a couple of unique sites in 1830s the Hunter Valley and Best’s in Great Pinot Noir was first planted in Australia in Western, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the the 1830s, after being brought to Australia Australian wine community expanded into in the James Busby collection. The cuttings new or reinvigorated cool-climate wine were taken from the Clos Vougeot vineyard regions that were truly suited to Pinot Noir. in Burgundy, and stock from these vines The challenges of growing Pinot Noir also became known as the heritage MV6 clones, played some part in the slow uptake of the with the MV standing for Mother Vine. variety by viticulturalists and winemakers. 1920s 1990s Pinot Noir began to find its place in Australia Australia saw an influx of Dijon clones, in the 1920s, when Australian wine legend originated in Burgundy in the 1950s by Maurice O’Shea – one of Australia’s first Dr Raymond Bernard of the University of great influential winemakers – planted Pinot Dijon as part of a clonal selection program. Noir vines at Mount Pleasant, a beautiful This added to the diversity of clonal material hillside vineyard in the Hunter Valley. available in Australia, laying the foundations
Pinot Noir / Educator guide for developing the complexity and the character of the wines that we see today. FUN FACT The diverse range of clones available in Pinot Noir enjoyed a surge in Australia gave vignerons the ability to popularity in Australia, New Zealand, determine what worked best for them within the US and Asia thanks to the a regional, site and stylistic framework. Interestingly the most widely planted and 2004 film ‘Sideways’. Throughout the most popular clone across Australia is comedy, the main character talks still MV6, proving that the foundations of about why he loves Pinot Noir – and it Pinot Noir in Australia are strong! directly translated to increased sales As a result of searching for the best sites and around the world. having the right clonal material for these sites, Pinot Noir became very successful in regions in Victoria and Tasmania, as well as SUGGESTED in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills. DISCUSSION POINTS Today –– Why do you think it took a relatively Australian Pinot Noir today is better than long time for Pinot Noir to succeed ever, as vines grow older and the wine in Australia? community learns more about this unique grape. Growers are embracing what –– How has the evolution of consumer makes Australian wine regions unique. tastes affected the production of Winemakers are balancing influences of Pinot Noir? terroir, clones and winemaking processes to produce a wide range of light-bodied and medium‑bodied styles. At the same time, a new generation of wine drinkers are seeking an alternative to the rich, powerful red styles and increasingly turning to lighter styles such as Pinot Noir. In fact, in the two years to November 2016, growth in Pinot Noir off-premise sales exceeded that of all reds combined.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide - A fickle vine requiring cool or temperate climate with cooling influences - Tight clusters and thin skins make the grapes susceptible to disease, pests and rot. Careful vineyard management is key - Hundreds of different Pinot Noir clones – in Australia, MV6 and Dijon clones are mainly used - Early harvest and low yields produce VITICULTURE the best results HOW AUSTRALIAN PINOT NOIR IS GROWN
FUN FACT Pinot Noir has around 30,000 genes in its DNA – more than the human genome, which contains 20,000 to 25,000.
VITICULTURE: HOW AUSTRALIAN Site selection PINOT NOIR IS GROWN Pinot Noir requires specific site and climatic When it comes to this variety, conditions, making the ideal site difficult a viticulturalist’s skill matters greatly. to find. At its best, Pinot Noir is an authentic –– Climate: Pinot Noir grows best in cool reflection of the site and the grower’s or temperate regions, with cooling expertise. At its worst, it can be flat influences from either the ocean or and unremarkable. So it is testament altitude. It dislikes excessive sun exposure to Australia’s forward‑thinking, hard‑working on the fruit. However, because it’s an grapegrowers that Australian Pinot Noir has early-budding variety, it’s susceptible come of age in recent years, with overall to spring frosts. quality at an all-time high and its global –– Soil: It prefers well-drained soils of low reputation strong. In recent years, plantings vigour, with the right soil structure being of Pinot Noir vines have increased, particularly important. In Australia, particularly in the cooler viticultural regions. it grows well in areas with clay, loam and sandy soils.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide The vine Harvest The Pinot Noir vine is sensitive, with small, Pinot Noir is generally one of the first red tight grape clusters that are difficult to grapes to be harvested, with its growing ripen evenly. The grapes themselves are season relatively short and window of delicate and thin-skinned, making them ripeness narrow – usually only a few days. prone to disease and rot. Pinot Noir vines In Australia, harvest is generally January are commonly trellised using a vertical to April. shoot positioning system where movable Yields wires contain the new vine growth and train Pinot Noir produces the best wine when vine shoots to grow in a narrow, vertical yields are kept low. Grapegrowers commonly curtain. Mature vines tend to produce more use pruning and green harvesting to complex wines. manage yields. Clones Pinot Noir is thought to be one of the oldest grape varieties. It’s highly prone to mutation and has produced a large number of mutations – such as Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc – along with hundreds of different vine clones, each with distinct growth characteristics. In Australia, the primary clone used is the MV6 clone. In the mid-1990s, Dijon clones were brought to Australia. Pruning techniques How the vines are pruned is important for all varieties but careful pruning is particularly important for Pinot Noir to prevent the production of excess bunches and larger clusters. Larger clusters can result in dilution of flavour, whereas smaller clusters produce a more intensely flavoured wine. Being clustered tightly together, the grapes are susceptible to ‘bunch rot’, so careful canopy management is required, allowing light and air to minimise risk of disease and promote ripening (without causing too much sun exposure). Pruning, bunch thinning, leaf removal and shoot trimming are common vineyard management practices, depending on weather and yield.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide ADVANCED NOTES MUTANT GRAPES: VINE CLONES EXPLAINED Like many fruits, grapevines are grown from cuttings of other vines rather than from seeds. A grapevine clone is a plant taken from a ‘mother’ vine. Clones are different from crossings, where two grape varieties are crossed to produce a new variety, such as Cabernet Sauvignon (a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc). Clones occur both naturally and through human intervention, when a piece of the mother vine is cut off and either planted directly into the soil or grafted onto another vine. The clone is genetically identical to its ‘parent’, but variations can arise through genetic mutation, resulting in a clone with different characteristics. All grape varieties produce clones, but Pinot Noir is particularly susceptible to mutation and its clones provoke particular passion. Each Pinot clone has unique characteristics and behaviours, and, importantly, each clone makes wine that tastes different. That’s why Pinot growers are so focused on selecting the right clones for their site and intended style. The first Pinot Noir cuttings were brought to Australia from Burgundy in the 1830s, including what became the Mother Vine 6 (MV6) clone, which was officially registered in 1971. This clone is still the most popular Pinot Noir clone among winemakers, due in large part to its versatility. In the mid-1990s, Dijon clones were brought to Australia. Originating in Burgundy, these were propagated by Dr Raymond Bernard of the University of Dijon, who established a clonal selection program in the 1950s to improve the health and quality of the region’s vines. Today, Australian winemakers have a large range of clones to choose from in their pursuit of the perfect Pinot Noir.
SUGGESTED FUN FACT DISCUSSION POINTS Pinot Noir has around 30,000 genes –– What do you think has more in its DNA – more than the human influence on Pinot Noir wine: genome, which contains 20,000 to terroir or clone? 25,000. In 2007, French and Italian –– What impact does an excessively researchers mapped the genome hot or cold growing season of Pinot Noir, making it the first fruit have on the style/expression of Pinot Noir? crop to be sequenced. Their findings –– Outside of Australia, which could eventually help viticulturalists wine regions have ideal growing grow vines more resistant to pests conditions for Pinot Noir? and disease.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide HOW RED WINE IS MADE
1. HARVEST 2. DESTEMMING 3. FERMENTATION & CRUSHING
6. MATURATION 5. MALOLACTIC 4. PRESSING FERMENTATION
7. BLENDING 8. FINING & 9. BOTTLING FILTERING
Pinot Noir / Educator guide WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES INFLUENCING PINOT NOIR
KEEPS STEMS SKINS FROM LEFT IN GETTING TOO CONTACT EXTRACTED
COLD SOAK PUNCH DOWN WHOLE BERRY STEM WHOLE BUNCH FERMENTATION INCLUSION FERMENTATION
FEATURE VIDEO Australian researchers and innovative Now is an appropriate time to play the winemakers are continuing to explore feature video, How red wine is made. various techniques to improve the quality While it’s not specific to Pinot Noir, and consistency of Pinot Noir production it provides background context on to deliver the best wine possible. the typical production process. Cold soak: During this pre-fermentation maceration, the must (skins, seeds and juice) is chilled WINEMAKING: TECHNIQUES below 12.8 degrees Celsius (55 degrees INFLUENCING PINOT NOIR Fahrenheit) to prevent fermentation and Careful and skilful handling is required left to soak for several days. This allows to turn delicate Pinot Noir grapes winemakers to extract more colour, flavour into high‑quality, expressive wine. and soft tannins from the wine. It’s an The winemaker has many options available, especially useful technique for Pinot Noir, and with Pinot Noir easily influenced, these which tends to ferment quickly, reducing decisions result in a wide variety of styles. the time for phenolic extraction. Pinot is comparatively low in phenols and anthocyanin content (chemical compounds found in grape skins that affect the tannin structure, colour and mouthfeel of wine), which makes extraction during winemaking and colour stability important considerations.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES INFLUENCING PINOT NOIR
WILD COLD EXTENDED MATURATION FERMENTATION FERMENTATION MACERATION
Punch-down: Whole-bunch Punching down is a more delicate way of (aka whole-cluster) fermentation: stirring wine than pumping over. Typically Stems are left in contact with the berries, done by hand, this non-interventionist which leads to a higher tannin content. technique keeps skins from getting too Often used with lighter style reds, it extracted and limits the amount of oxygen enhances the aromatics and gives the added. As pumping over can lead to over wine more tannin structure, giving it better extraction, hand-plunging is often preferable ageing potential. for Pinot Noir. Stem inclusion: Whole-berry fermentation: Stems are added to a ferment that began Rather than crushing grapes prior to with de-stemmed fruit to enhance the fermentation, whole grapes are kept aromatic and textural qualities of the separate while the bulk is crushed then finished wine. added during fermentation. This helps slow Wild fermentation: the extraction of tannic components and Wild or indigenous yeasts that are naturally adds a more intense berry flavour. present in the microflora of the grape are used to ferment the wine rather than adding cultured yeasts (wild yeasts that are isolated then cultured in a laboratory). There aren’t always textural differences present after wild yeast fermentation, but it can lead to a more complex and expressive wine.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide ADVANCED Cold fermentation: NOTES A long, slow, cool fermentation heightens PINOT NOIR: A SPARKLING the aromatics of the ripened fruit. GEM Cool fermentation often occurs in stainless Pinot Noir is one of the three classic steel tanks and is followed by early bottling grapes used in Traditional Method to capture the primary fruit aromas and sparkling wines, along with Pinot flavours of Pinot Noir, such as cherry, Meunier and Chardonnay. It’s used in strawberry and raspberry. some of the world’s finest sparkling Extended maceration: wines, including in Australia, where Some winemakers choose to leave skins around half of all Pinot Noir grown is on for longer, resulting in more tannin and used in sparkling wines. Wines with helping to fix colour. This is done sparingly a higher proportion of Pinot Noir to with Pinot Noir to avoid over extraction. other grapes may be fuller and more Maturation: powerful in structure than Blanc de Pinot Noir has an affinity for oak, and Blancs (single-variety Chardonnay). the use of new French oak is common, In 2016, Australia’s exports of but care must be taken not to overwhelm Pinot Noir were made up of 27% the fruit profile. Australian winemakers are sparkling wine and 73% dry red moving toward less new oak percentages wine, compared with exports of and larger-format barrels, and becoming Chardonnay which included just increasingly skilled at matching oak usage 3% sparkling and Shiraz exports to the style being produced. which included 1% sparkling. Bottling and ageing: With a diverse range of styles available, the longevity of Australian Pinot Noir varies DID YOU KNOW significantly. Many styles are best enjoyed young, but there’s also a growing emphasis In most red grape varieties, on producing Pinot Noir that improves the majority of tannin is found in with age. the skin, with a smaller amount in the seeds. In Pinot Noir grapes, it’s the other way around. This makes it particularly important to use winemaking processes that effectively extract the grapes’ phenolic content.
SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINTS –– What are the characteristics of an ageworthy Pinot Noir? –– Pinot Noir is an important grape in the production of Traditional Method sparkling wines. Why does it work so well for sparkling wine?
Pinot Noir / Educator guide AUSTRALIAN PINOT NOIR REGIONS
NORTHERN TERRITORY
QUEENSLAND
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
NEW SOUTH WALES
VICTORIA adelaide hills YARRA v a e y
0 500 Mornington Peninsula TASMANIA Kilometres
AUSTRALIAN PINOT NOIR REGIONS Over the past four decades, the Australian wine community has established and evolved a number of wine regions ideally suited to Pinot Noir. Thriving in the country’s cool-climate regions, Pinot Noir is now being successfully grown from west to east. Its main wine regions, which we’ll explore here, are: –– Tasmania –– Yarra Valley, Victoria –– Mornington Peninsula, Victoria –– Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Being such an expressive grape, it produces a wide variety of styles that express terroir more than most – from intense yet refined Tasmanian Pinot to the succulent examples of the Mornington Peninsula and the bright red fruited wines of the Yarra Valley.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide TASMANIA
- Fine cool-climate region - Sparkling wine wonderland - Gourmet paradise
Tasmania
TASMANIA Notable Tasmanian wine areas include –– Cool-climate region: Tasmania is North West, Pipers River, Tamar Valley, one of Australia’s finest cool-climate East Coast, Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley wine‑producing regions, well known and the Huon Valley. for producing award-winning sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. With a cool climate that has long, sunny and dry autumns, Tasmania boasts ideal growing conditions for developing naturally elegant, intensely flavoured and aromatic wines. –– Sparkling wine wonderland: A good proportion of Tasmania’s cooler-grown Pinot Noir is used in the production of high-quality sparkling wines. –– Gourmet paradise: Tasmania is a picturesque gourmet paradise. It has the perfect climate for producing cheeses, premium beef, specialty honey, mushrooms and some of Australia’s leading boutique beers and whiskies.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE PINOT NOIR L % % % ALTITUDE 52 48 OF S NIA'S T O L C S H 0 80M W T E RED 42 0 262FT
TASMANIA SNAPSHOT
CLIMATE MARITIME HEAT DEGREE DAYS MEAN JANUARY TEMPERATURE LOW 16.8°C 62.2°F GROWING MEdIUM 1,013 SEASON RAINFALL 350MM / 13.7IN COOL
*Source: Wine Australia, 2017
TASMANIA SNAPSHOT Growing season rainfall Latitude Calculated from October to April in Grape vines favour what can be described Australia, growing season rainfall is a good as ‘temperate’ climates, which mostly fall indication of how much water is available within distinct latitudes of 30° and 50° from to the vine. Tasmania receives 40% of its the equator. Tasmania sits in the middle of annual rainfall during the growing season. this latitude bracket. Mean January temperature 41° 07’S – North Tasmania Mean January temperature refers to the mean temperature of the warmest month. 42° 45’S – South Tasmania Tasmania’s mean January temperature Climate falls below the coolest range on the Tasmania has a moderate maritime graph, making it Australia’s coolest climate influenced by westerly winds off winemaking region. the Southern Ocean. Heat degree days –– Australia’s coolest-climate region. Heat degree days (HDD) is an indicator –– High humidity, spring frosts. of the warmth of a climate during the –– Similar climate to Champagne and vine‑growing period. parts of the Rhine Valley.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide On the lower slopes, the vineyard soils feature ancient sandstones, mudstones, river sediments and igneous rock of volcanic origin. Sandstone and schist appear SOIL in Derwent Valley. Peaty alluvial and sandy low humus soils appear in Coal River Valley. Pipers River boasts deep, free-draining, friable soils, while Tamar Valley is gravelly basalt on a clay and limestone base.
Notable producers Tasmania’s inherent cool climate right across the island makes it ideal for the production of high-quality Pinot Noir. Typical Tasmanian style is light-bodied to medium-bodied with delicate cherry and strawberry flavours. Notable Tasmanian Pinot Noir producers include: –– Bay of Fires –– Domaine A –– Freycinet Vineyard –– House of Arras –– Jansz –– Josef Chromy –– Stefano Lubiana Wines
Pinot Noir / Educator guide YARRA VALLEY
- Popular tourist destination - Colourful history - Groundbreaking winemakers - Food and wine paradise
Ya a Va ey
FEATURE VIDEO –– Groundbreaking winemakers and growers: The Yarra Valley is home Now is an appropriate time to play the to a bold and exciting new breed of feature video, Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. revolutionary winemakers who are pushing the boundaries of cool-climate grape growing and winemaking. YARRA VALLEY –– Food and wine paradise: The regional –– Popular tourist destination: At around emphasis on the quality and flavour of an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, the wines has spread to the local produce the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most grown in the same fertile soil, making accessible wine regions, featuring cellar the region a little slice of food and doors, quaint villages, cultural attractions, wine paradise. food producers and iconic scenery. The Yarra Valley has upper and lower –– Colourful history: Vines were first planted sections which impacts the altitude, in 1838, making it Victoria’s first wine- soils, climate and rainfall. growing district. While increased demand for fortified wine saw the region cease production in 1921, replanting began in the 1960s, and the region is now recognised as one of Australia’s foremost cool-climate regions.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE PINOT NOIR L % % % OF YA A ALTITUDE 35 65 35 VA 'S 50 350M W T E RED T O L C S H % OF AUSTRALIA’S 164 1,148FT 6.6 PINOT NOIR CRUSH
YARRA VALLEY SNAPSHOT
CLIMATE
CONTINENTAL HEAT DEGREE DAYS MEAN JANUARY TEMPERATURE MEDIUM 18.7°C GROWING MEdIUM 65.7°F SEASON RAINFALL 1,352 400 550MM / 15.7 21.7IN COOL
*Source: Wine Australia, 2017
YARRA VALLEY SNAPSHOT Growing season rainfall Crush The Yarra Valley experiences most Pinot Noir is one of the most important of its rain during winter and spring, varieties in the Yarra Valley, accounting with the summer being relatively cool, for approximately 35% of the region’s total dry and humid. crush and 65% of red wine crush. Mean January temperature Latitude In the cool-temperature range, 37° 49’S the Yarra Valley experiences a long, slow ripening period to produce Altitude some flavoursome grapes and wines. The altitude is quite varied at 50 metres Temperature hazards such as spring to 350 metres above sea level. frosts can be a risk. Climate –– One of Australia’s coolest regions. –– Rainfall dominant in winter and spring. –– Cool, dry and humid summers.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide The Yarra Valley’s northern side feature soils of grey to grey-brown on the surface, and with red-brown clay subsoils often filled with rock. SOIL The other major soil type is the fertile red volcanic soil on the southern side of the valley.
SOIL Notable producers The Yarra Valley’s diverse topography The Yarra Valley produces a range of is reflected in its various soil types. expressions of Pinot Noir, due to different The traditional grape-growing areas on elevations and aspects. It is typically the northern side of the valley feature light‑bodied to medium-bodied, with flavours soils of grey to grey-brown in colour on the of cherry, strawberry and plum. Some of the surface, and range from loamy sand to clay cooler-grown fruit goes into the production loam in consistency with red-brown clay of sparkling wine. subsoils, often filled with rock. The other Notable Yarra Valley Pinot Noir major soil type is the immensely deep and producers include: fertile red volcanic soil in the southern –– Coldstream Hills side of the valley. The variation in altitude –– De Bortoli Wines and soil types in this hilly region creates differences in climates and exposure, –– Domaine Chandon which suits some varieties. –– Giant Steps –– Mac Forbes –– Yering Station
Pinot Noir / Educator guide Mornington Peninsula MORNINGTON PENINSULA
- Diverse maritime climate FUN FACT - Pinot paradise No vineyard site in the Mornington Peninsula - Boutique producers is further than 7km - Melbourne's seaside playground from the ocean.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA –– Boutique producers: The Mornington –– Diverse maritime climate: Surrounded by Peninsula is a multi-tonal patchwork of Bass Strait, Port Phillip Bay and Western around 200 small-scale vineyards, many Port Bay, the region is a true maritime of which are family run. Forward-thinking wine region. The region’s array of meso growers and winemakers work together and microclimates, ancient soils and to produce pristine, vineyard-expressive elevations creates a complex network fruit that requires minimal handling in of microsites capable of growing a the winery. range of varieties including Pinot Noir, –– Melbourne’s seaside playground: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Shiraz Located only 70 kilometres from and Tempranillo. Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is –– Pinot paradise: Pinot thrives in this a popular weekend destination and one cool, maritime climate under the care of Australia’s food and wine hotspots. of passionate growers in pursuit of It offers stunning coastal views, luxury perfection. The region is renowned for accommodation and award-winning producing world-class Pinot Noir defined restaurants dotted among coastal by its elegance and refinement. villages and hinterland hamlets.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE PINOT NOIR L % % % OF RNINGT ALTITUDE 40 60 P IN 'S 25 250M W T E RED 46 T O L C S H 82 820FT
MORNINGTON PENINSULA SNAPSHOT
CLIMATE
MARITIME HEAT DEGREE DAYS MEAN JANUARY TEMPERATURE MEDIUM 1 9.4°C GROWING MEdIUM 66.9°F SEASON RAINFALL 1,570 E D T A 320 390MM / 12.5 15.3IN
*Source: Wine Australia, 2017
MORNINGTON PENINSULA Growing season rainfall SNAPSHOT The Mornington Peninsula receives a Crush moderate amount of rain during its growing Pinot Noir accounts for approximately season, with rainfall increasing with both 46% of the Mornington Peninsula’s total altitude and latitude, and most rain falling crush, cementing this variety’s reputation in winter and summer. as a significant focus of Mornington Mean January temperature Peninsula growers and winemakers. The Mornington Peninsula’s mean January Latitude temperature is moderate, though the region 38° 20’S has a complex network of microsites and microclimates. Altitude The Mornington Peninsula’s altitude is low at 25 metres to 250 metres (82–820ft) Climate –– Strongly maritime climate but site specific. –– Relative humidity is high. –– Frost is rare due to consistent winds.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide The Mornington Peninsula’s soils differ across the region, ranging from deep fertile sandy soils in the northern area, yellow and brown SOIL soils over friable, well-drained clay and russet-red volcanic-based soils in the south.
NOTABLE PRODUCERS Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir wines are typically medium-bodied in intensity, with vibrant varietal characters of strawberry and cherry, and a juicy backbone of acidity. Notable Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir producers include: –– 10 Minutes by Tractor –– Crittenden Estate –– Kooyong – Port Phillip Estate –– Main Ridge Estate –– Moorooduc Estate –– Red Hill Estate –– Stonier Wines
Pinot Noir / Educator guide ADELAIDE HILLS
- German heritage - Food lovers’ haven - Rebirth of a region - Cool-climate centre
ADELAIDE HILLS
ADELAIDE HILLS –– The rebirth of the region: Vines were –– German heritage: Settled by German planted in the 1870s, but due to the immigrants in the 1800s, Adelaide Hills’ difficulties of cool-climate viticulture central town of Hahndorf remains in that era, most were removed by Australia’s oldest surviving German the 1930s. The rebirth of the region settlement. The village hub boasts art began with winemaker Brian Croser galleries, craft stores and museums, planting Chardonnay in 1979, identifying and it’s a pathway to the region’s vibrant the region’s potential as one of the best cellar doors. places to grow cool-climate varieties. –– Food lovers’ haven: Foodies delight in visiting this region, and it’s only a DID YOU KNOW 30-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD. Treats abound for everyone in this Two sub-regions sit within gourmet region, from chocolate and Adelaide Hills: Lenswood and chutney to cheese and cakes. Piccadilly Valley.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide CRUSH TYPE L - PINOT NOIR ME UM % % % OF ADE IDE ALTITUDE 60 40 18 S' TO L W T E RED C S H 400 550M % OF AUSTRALIA’S 1,312 1,804FT 11 PINOT NOIR CRUSH
ADELAIDE HILLS SNAPSHOT
CLIMATE
HEAT DEGREE DAYS MEAN JANUARY MARITIME TEMPERATURE LOW 19.1°C GROWING LoW 66°F SEASON RAINFALL 1,270 E D T A 280 320MM / 11 12.5IN
*Sources: Wine Australia, 2017; SA Winegrape Crush Survey, Wine Australia
ADELAIDE HILLS SNAPSHOT Growing season rainfall Crush Adelaide Hills receives relatively low Pinot Noir accounts for approximately 18% levels of rain during its growing season. of Adelaide Hills’ total crush, used as a base However, rainfall varies throughout the for both sparkling wine and table wine. region, increasing at higher elevations and mainly falling in winter and spring. A large Latitude proportion of the region is fortunate enough 34° 00’S to have robust underground water supplies, Altitude with water quality ranging from ‘spring The Adelaide Hills boasts areas that have an water’ in the Mount Lofty area to generally elevation greater than 400 metres, which drinkable water throughout the rest of impacts the grapes. As elevation increases, the region. the temperature drops. This is vital in the final stages of ripening when vines cool down at night, increasing natural acidity. Climate –– Altitude creates various meso-climates, but overall the climate is cool. –– The cooler climate gives Adelaide Hills a point of difference from its South Australian neighbours.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide Adelaide Hills’ soils are highly variable in structure and chemistry. The region has a mixture of grey-brown or brown loamy sands, SOIL while soil depth is variable due to topography.
SOIL Notable Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir Adelaide Hills’ soils are highly variable in producers include: structure and chemistry. The region has –– Ashton Hills a mixture of grey-brown or brown loamy –– Deviation Road sands, with patches of sandy soils over –– Ngeringa clay subsoils. Soil depth is also variable –– Petaluma due to topography, which can range from steep slopes to undulating hills, resulting –– Shaw + Smith in shallow stony soils to the top of hills and Other notable Pinot Noir regions deep peat‑like clays at the bottom of hills. –– Geelong, Victoria Low‑lying areas with heavy soils provide –– Macedon Ranges, Victoria potential for greater vigour, while higher, –– Gippsland, Victoria well-drained stony soils allow vigour control. –– Parts of the Great Southern region Notable producers of Western Australia, particularly With its elevation and cool climate, Porongurup Adelaide Hills is the leading region in –– Orange, NSW South Australia for the production of Pinot Noir – used in both still red wine SUGGESTED styles and Traditional Method sparkling DISCUSSION POINT wines. Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir tends to be medium-bodied with richer, ripe cherry –– What are some of the differences and berry flavours. between Tasmanian and Yarra Valley Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir / Educator guide AUSTRALIAN PINOT NOIR CHARACTERISTICS
COLOUR Pinot Noir
Light Medium Full BODY FLAVOURS Dry Medium dry Sweet - Cherry SWEETNESS - Strawberry - Plum Low Medium High - Roses OAK - Violets TANNIN - Earth ACIDIT Y
8% 13% – 14% 17% AUSTRALIAN
ALCOHOL PINOT NOIR
CHARACTERISTICS AND TIME TO TASTE FLAVOUR PROFILES NOW IS AN APPROPRIATE The challenges of growing and making Pinot Noir mean the most successful wines TIME TO TASTE AND are inherently premium in style and quality, DISCUSS YOUR SELECTED characterised by subtlety and finesse. Regional differences abound, and the broad MIX OF WINES. range of aromas and flavours of Pinot Noir can enchant tasters. In general, however, top Pinot Noir from Australia is light-bodied to medium-bodied and restrained in nature. When it’s young, Australian Pinot Noir has fine cherry, red berry and herbal notes. Its texture is often silky, satiny or soft, and light-weight to medium-weight styles are most common. With maturity, some Australian Pinot Noir will develop classic earthy or ‘forest floor’ savoury characters, adding extra dimensions to the wines.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide FOOD PAIRINGS
SALMON CHICKEN DUCK AUSTRALIAN
PORK CHARCUTERIE PÂTÉ AND TERRINE COMTÉ CHEESE PINOT NOIR
FOOD PAIRING With its complexity and bright acidity, Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that’s ideal for pairing with food. It’s a great choice when ordering for groups or to match with multiple courses. However, its elegance and nuanced aromas can be overwhelmed by big flavours in food, such as spices or heavy red-meat dishes.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide UNITED KINGDOM CHINA II% 7% EXPORTS
Approx. JAPAN 6% M I I L I T S 10.3 A YEAR NEW ZEALAND % OF AUST LIAN UNITED = NE EX RTS STATES 9% 1 53% PINOT NOIR BY NUMBERS
PLANTINGS CRUSH 47% Shiraz 4,948 Pinot Noir % Cabernet 6TH MOST 26 Sauvignon HECTARES OF TO L PLANTED 12% Merlot = 4% VARIETY IN % AUST LIAN % Grenache AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIA RED NE 1 TOTAL 5 C S H 9% Other
*Source: Wine Australia, 2017
PRICE RANGE In 2016, the average price paid for Pinot grapes was the second highest of any of the top 20 varieties. However, generally speaking you can get a good bottle of Australian Pinot from A$20 (US$15). It will be for immediate drinking, although some will cellar for a couple of years. Premium examples of cellar-worthy Pinot cost anywhere from A$50–A$85 (US$38–US$64) or more.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide THE RISE AND RISE OF AUSTRALIAN PINOT NOIR The future is bright, with Pinot plantings increasing and cool-climate winemakers continually making adjustments, perfecting traditional techniques and inventing their own ways of doing things.
With Pinot plantings increasing, and –– Pinot Noir is one of the hardest grapes to Australia’s established regions producing grow, requiring skill and careful attention. more consistent and ever-improving wines, With their tight clusters and thin skins, the future is bright for Australian Pinot Noir. grapes are susceptible to disease and rot. Emerging regions, such as the Great Southern –– Pinot Noir also presents a challenge in region of Western Australia, are adding the winery, and a range of winemaking excitement, as is the new wave of Australian techniques are employed to extract winemakers willing to push boundaries and maximum colour and flavour from the challenge the status quo to bring new and delicate grapes. Innovative Australian intriguing Pinot Noirs to the world. winemakers and researchers are KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER exploring new ways to produce –– After being introduced to Australia in 1831, top‑quality Pinot. Pinot Noir had a slow start, with vines –– Pinot Noir is produced as a still wine planted in regions that were too warm. and used in sparkling styles including As cool-climate regions emerged and Traditional Method wines. winemakers honed their craft, Pinot Noir –– The best Australian Pinot Noir is grown carved out an important place in the in cool climates, which benefit from Australian wine community. elevation or cooling sea breezes. –– Today, the global reputation of Australian –– Pinot Noir reflects the character traits Pinot Noir is strengthening as quality of the region in which it’s grown better continues to increase and more wine than most other significant varieties. drinkers around the world discover the nuanced appeal of this intriguing variety from different Australian regions.
Pinot Noir / Educator guide THANK YOU