Down the Hill Pinot Noir 2021

Located on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, the Ten Minutes by Tractor vineyard benefits from a cool, maritime climate influenced by the bays of Port Phillip and Western Port. The Down the Hill Pinot Noir cuvée comes from hillside plots exposed to ocean winds, planted in soils that blend clay, silt, and ancient sands. This combination of cool temperatures, moderate altitude, and geological diversity promotes a slow ripening of the grapes, allowing the elegant and aromatic character of this Australian Pinot Noir to be precisely expressed.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry , raspberry , and strawberry , supported by floral touches of peony and dried rose , as well as spicy nuances of pepper and clove . A light oak influence with hints of vanilla and delicate smoke adds complexity. On the palate, the texture is supple and silky, carried by fresh acidity, fine and well-integrated tannins, with a long and balanced finish that highlights the purity of the fruit.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.