Pierro Vintage Reserve Chardonnay 2019

Region and Vineyards

Located in the prestigious Margaret River region of Western Australia, the Pierro vineyards benefit from a unique maritime climate influenced by the Indian Ocean. The north-facing slopes of the Pierro estate in Willyabrup are home to mature vines over 30 years old, planted in high-density, narrow rows on rocky soils. This strategic planting maximizes sun exposure and air circulation while minimizing wind damage, resulting in low-yielding, high-quality fruit.

The close proximity to the coast, just 3 kilometers away, ensures a maritime climate that enhances flavor development during the ripening period. The vineyard is exclusively planted with the Gin-Gin clone of Chardonnay, renowned for producing wines of exceptional quality in this region.

Winemaking

The winemaking process is meticulous and traditional. Each parcel of fruit is hand-picked, chilled, hand-sorted, and gently whole-bunch pressed. Harvest occurs in multiple picks to capture both aromatic complexity and body.

Fermentation takes place in French oak barriques, and the wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation to achieve a superior texture and mouthfeel. The lees are stirred by hand every fortnight over a 12-month period before blending, settling, and bottling. Only the best 10 barrels are selected for this vintage, ensuring that the wine represents the pinnacle of Pierro's winemaking.

Did You Know?

Dr. Mike Peterkin, the founder of Pierro, introduced the innovative "picket fence" method of planting vines. This technique enhances sun exposure and air circulation, leading to healthier vines and superior grape quality.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with hints of green, suggesting freshness and vibrancy.
• Aroma: Aromas of salted, crushed, and pan-fried nuts like pistachio, almond, and walnut. Complemented by white stone fruits, preserved citrus rind, white tea leaves, nashi pear, and hints of nougat.
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied, flooding the mouth with flavors of ripe stone fruit, lemon curd, and vanilla. It also showcases a creamy texture balanced by vibrant acidity, with a long and elegant finish. The palate is further enhanced by chalky and flinty notes, with a core of bright limey acidity through salted cashew, shortbread, and brittle toffee richness.

Wine Pairing Ideas

Pierro Vintage Reserve Chardonnay pairs exquisitely with seafood dishes. Consider lobster thermidor, where the wine's acidity and richness complement the lobster's sweetness and texture. The creamy sauce in the thermidor enhances the wine's full-bodied character, creating a luxurious pairing.

Grilled scallops are another excellent choice. The wine's vibrant acidity and stone fruit flavors beautifully balance the scallops' delicate sweetness, while its subtle oak and spice notes add depth to the dish.

For a poultry option, try creamy chicken alfredo. The wine's complexity and depth enhance the savory flavors of the creamy pasta, and its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce, making each bite delightful.

Alternatively, roast turkey with herb butter makes for a superb pairing. The wine's elegant palate and creamy mouthfeel complement the turkey's moist and flavorful meat, while the herb butter adds an aromatic touch that harmonizes with the wine's nuanced profile.

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.