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.
From ancient origins comes greatness
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 in the wild
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
A food match made in heaven
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.
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. Shop this wine online here.
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
For a limited time, purchase 5 bottles and receive a bonus bottle of Pinot Noir! Simply add 6 bottles to your cart for this automatic discount to apply. Shop this delicious Pemberton Pinot Noir here.
To shop all FWG Pinot Noir wines, click here.
