World-class Pinot Noir from around Australia

The Smithbrook Estate vineyard, planted with Pinot Noir.

Pour a glass of your favourite Pinot Noir (pea-noh nwar) and read our blog to discover the history of this ethereal, elegant, expressive red.

The History of Pinot Noir

Did you know that Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world? The first written record of Pinot Noir was in 1375, however it is believed to have been planted in the ancient territory of Gallia (or Gaul, now part of Italy and France) in 300BC, long before the Roman occupation of Europe. It then survived throughout the Roman rule, the Middle Ages and the devastating vine disease, phylloxera. Incredible!

Around 1000 A.D. Pinot Noir found its spiritual home in Burgundy, France and although it took many years for the wines to get the recognition they deserved, this wine region now produces some of the world’s most famous (and expensive) red wines.

The history doesn’t stop there either. Pinot Noir has evolved over thousands of years and spontaneously reproduced to create other well-known grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Lagrein and Savagnin! It really is the Great-Grandfather of the vine world.

Fun fact:

Pinot Noir is also one of the main grape varieties used in Champagne production!

Pinot Noir Around The World

Pinot Noir translates to ‘black cone’ in French, which refers to its predilection to grow in very tight, cone-shaped clusters. Berries also have very thin skins, making this variety known for its fickle temperament if not managed carefully in the vineyard. It is very particular about where it's grown, preferring cooler climates with longer maturation periods to fully achieve sugar and phenolic ripeness.

The aromas and flavours of Pinot Noir also depend on the type of climate it is grown in. Generally it is a delicate red wine known for its finesse, with a light body, soft tannins and bright acidity.

Pinot Noir is grown across the globe and with over 100,000 hectares under vine, it is the fifth most planted red variety in the world. It is known as ‘Pinot Nero’ in Italian and ‘Spätburgunder’ in Germany and it is also planted in a number of other countries such as Chile, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and at home in Australia!

Common Pinot Noir aromas and flavours are:

• Rose petals
• Strawberry
• Cherry
• Plum
• Mushroom
• Truffle
• Forest floor
• Dried herbs
• Clove

Pinot Noir Food Pairings

Pinot Noir and duck – you didn’t hear it here first. This is an age-old wine and food pairing with chefs and sommeliers around the world lauding this match made in heaven! Another perfect pairing is mushroom risotto.

Other great food pairings are salmon, lobster, pasta, lightly spiced Asian dishes and cheese such as Brie, blue and tangy goat’s cheese. More traditional food pairings are classic French dishes like beef bourguignon or coq au vin.

In focus: Pinot Noir in Australia

Australia produces some exceptional, world-class Pinot Noir. Tasmania is famous for exquisite, pristine expressions of this varietal and other great regions are the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, as well as Geelong, the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley in Victoria. The Great Southern and South West regions of Western Australia are also being heralded as up-and-coming Pinot Noir regions, including Porongurup and Pemberton.

Tasmania

Tasmania is influenced strongly by ocean winds which moderate the region's maritime climate and helps to extend the growing season, allowing the grapes to slowly ripen on the vine. These unique climate conditions contribute to the premium Pinot Noir that is grown across Tasmania. 

Strelley Farm Estate 2023 Pinot Noir

This is an exceptional value Pinot Noir from Tasmania. Fruit was sourced from select vineyards on the East Coast and the Derwent, Tamar and Coal River Valleys, with the wine spending ten months maturing in French oak. The 2019 vintage of the Strelley Farm Estate Pinot Noir was awarded 96 points in the Halliday Wine Companion 2022, and we think the 2023 tastes even better. 

Bright and juicy cherry and plum flavours lift the palate alongside savoury earthy spice. Light tannins add texture to the mouthfeel and a vibrant acidity lends a harmonious finish to this wine. 

ANON 2020 Pinot Noir 

The ANON Pinot Noir is truly Tasmanian in style. Focusing on careful handling in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the winery, this is a wine of intense varietal purity.

Fresh and bright in the glass, vibrant raspberry, porcini mushroom and star anise mingle on the nose while moreish flavours of strawberry, dried herbs and liquorice warm the palate. Lithe tannins create a structured, silky mouthfeel. 

At just $21.00 (members pricing) this is one of the most affordable Tasmanian wines currently available in Australia.

Lowestoft 2019 Pinot Noir

This is an elegant, exceptional Pinot Noir from Lowestoft Tasmania. With a delicate nose of cranberry, bright strawberry and brambly undertones, the palate is driven by whole bunch spice, with ripe, fresh raspberry, subtle quince and five spice providing exotic lift, line and length.

60% of the Pinot Noir fruit for this wine is sourced from our Lowestoft estate vineyard – the same vineyard from which the Jimmy Watson and James Halliday trophy-winning La Maison wines are made from. Offering immense quality, this is a unique expression of our exceptional vineyard site on the Lowestoft estate.

Western Australia

As one of Australia's most exciting up and coming wine regions, Pemberton has become synonymous with high-quality, cool climate wines – particularly Pinot Noir. The Smithbrook estate is located in the heart of Pemberton, on ancient soils made up of gravely ironstone over red clay loam. These soils, along with the region's continental climate, are ideal for producing structured and elegant Pinot Noir wines. 

Smithbrook 2021 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir

"From this eponymous pioneering Pemberton vineyard. It’s a joy to see this label thriving under the Fogarty Wine Group. This wine is packed with ripe Pinot character from rhubarb to raspberry with a dusting of whole bunch spice and regional smoky notes. The palate is medium bodied and well calibrated to be plush and warming with precise fine tannins. Best for early drinking and can be enjoyed over the next 4 years. Top Rated."

– 93 Points, The West Australian Wine Guide 2023

"Aromas of sliced strawberries, grated nutmeg, moss and chicory root. Medium-bodied with silky tannins and texture. Bright and fresh with strawberry and cherry character. A hint of porcini at the finish. Subtle length here. Refreshing."

– 92 Points, James Suckling 2022

To shop all FWG Pinot Noir wines, click here.