By James Atkinson
The Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, not Victoria or Tasmania, is the true home of Australian Pinot Noir, according to Bruce Tyrrell, of one of the region's oldest winemaking families, Tyrrell's Wines.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Tyrrell told TheShout that despite the fact it's usually considered to be a cold climate variety, Pinot Noir has a long history in the Hunter.
He said the MV6 Mothervine, one of the earliest Pinot Noir clones introduced into Australia, was planted in McWilliam's Mount Pleasant vineyard in 1921, and Tyrrell's made its first Pinot Noir in the region in 1972.
"This is the home of modern Australian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir," Tyrrell said.
"Say that in the middle of Tasmania or Victoria and you'll get a fight, but it's the truth!"
McWilliam's this year extended its Mount Pleasant range to include the Mothervine Pinot Noir, "a wine that is not only a representation of Pinot Noir in the Hunter, but a great representation of Pinot Noir full stop".
Scarborough Wine, too, has long produced Pinot in the Hunter, while Brokenwood will plant a small amount of the grape this year as a nod to its heritage in the area.
Look out for an extended feature on the Hunter Valley in the March edition of National Liquor News.
I’ve tried the Mount Pleasant Mothervine Pinot Noir at their cellar door recently. Very Otagoesque with an enticing nose, the palate showcases the talents of their wine-making team – fruit and oak in total harmony, acid balance near perfect. Unfortunately it’s only available ex cellar door and on-premise outlets.