Pierro L.T.C f. Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2020

Region and Vineyards

Margaret River, situated in Western Australia, is renowned for its exceptional wine-growing conditions. The region benefits from a maritime climate, with cool, temperate conditions ideal for viticulture. This climate, combined with the region's gravelly loam soils, provides an excellent terroir for growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Pierro estate is located in the heart of the Willyabrup Valley, known for producing some of the region's finest wines. The vineyards feature high-density plantings, which encourage low yields and high-quality, concentrated fruit.

The fruit for the L.T.C.f. blend comes from several mature blocks, with the oldest vines planted in 1988. The proximity to the coast ensures the vineyards are influenced by fresh ocean breezes, which contribute to the wine's distinctive character and elegance.

Winemaking

This vintage of Pierro L.T.C.f. is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot. The grapes were hand-picked and underwent meticulous sorting to ensure only the best fruit was used. Fermentation occurred in small open fermenters with regular plunging by hand to enhance color and tannin extraction. The wine was then left on skins for around 20 days to develop further complexity.

Following fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak barriques, with 10% new oak, for approximately 11-12 months. This aging process added subtle oak nuances while preserving the vibrant fruit character. Each variety and vineyard parcel was vinified separately, allowing for a final blend that showcases the best attributes of each component.

Did you know?

The "L.T.C.f." in Pierro L.T.C.f. stands for "Little Touch of Cabernet Franc," highlighting the unique addition of this varietal to the blend, which brings aromatic lift and complexity to the wine.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Medium ruby with a vibrant hue.
• Aroma: Aromas of plum fruit, dusty earth, and tomato leaf with hints of leafy herbs and exotic spices.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and silky with flavors of cassis, mulberry, and plum. The wine has an appealing open-knit texture with soft, supple tannins wrapping around the red and blue fruits. It finishes with a lingering softness and elegance, inviting another sip.

Wine Pairing Ideas:

• Lamb and Duck: The wine's medium body and silky tannins complement the rich flavors of lamb and duck, enhancing the savory and gamey notes of the meat.
• Rich Pasta Dishes: Pairing with a hearty pasta dish, such as beef ragu or mushroom pasta, the wine's fruitiness and herbal notes elevate the dish's flavors, creating a harmonious balance.
• Roasted Vegetables: The earthiness of roasted root vegetables matches well with the wine's complex aromas and soft tannins, providing a delightful vegetarian option.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of aged cheeses, such as Gouda or Manchego, pairs beautifully with the wine's depth and fruitiness, offering a sophisticated end to a meal.

History of Pierro Estate

Pierro was founded by Dr. Mike Peterkin in 1979, a visionary who combined his medical background with a passion for winemaking. Peterkin was one of the early pioneers in Margaret River, a region that has since become one of Australia’s premier wine-producing areas. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Peterkin planted the vineyard on the rolling hills of the Willyabrup Valley, utilizing high-density planting and advanced viticultural techniques to ensure low yields and high-quality fruit.

Dr. Peterkin’s dedication to producing world-class wines led him to study under some of the great winemakers of Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Alsace, bringing those influences back to Pierro. Over the years, Pierro has gained a reputation for its meticulous approach to winemaking, from hand-picking and sorting grapes to using a combination of traditional and modern techniques in the cellar. The estate remains family-owned, with a focus on producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Margaret River.

Region and Vineyards

Pierro is located in the Willyabrup Valley within the Margaret River region, which is celebrated for its Mediterranean climate, cooling sea breezes, and gravelly loam soils. The region’s ideal conditions for viticulture include long, warm days and cool nights, which help to preserve acidity and build complexity in the grapes. Pierro’s vineyards are densely planted, ensuring competition among vines that results in lower yields and more concentrated flavors.

The estate spans 40 hectares, with vines that are predominantly over 30 years old. The vineyard’s close proximity to the Indian Ocean provides a maritime influence that moderates temperature and extends the growing season, allowing for a slow and even ripening of the fruit. The meticulous care in the vineyard, including organic and sustainable practices, ensures that only the highest quality grapes are harvested.

Wine Range

Pierro produces a range of wines that showcase the diversity and quality of the Margaret River terroir. The flagship wine is the Pierro Chardonnay, renowned for its balance, complexity, and elegance. It is often considered one of Australia’s best Chardonnays, combining fruit purity with subtle oak influence and a long, mineral finish.

The estate also produces exceptional Bordeaux-style blends, such as the Pierro Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and the LTCf (Little Touch of Cabernet Franc). These wines are characterized by their aromatic complexity, structured tannins, and the ability to age gracefully.

Pierro also offers a delightful Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend, known for its freshness and vibrant acidity, making it a favorite among white wine enthusiasts.

Did you know?

Pierro's founder, Dr. Mike Peterkin, was instrumental in developing the "SBS" blend (Semillon Sauvignon Blanc) in Margaret River, a style that has become one of the region’s signatures. His innovative approach and commitment to quality have left a lasting impact on the Australian wine industry.