Pinot Picnic returns this month for a three-day festival dedicated to Pinot Noir. It’s the perfect excuse to try a collection of some of the best organic Pinot worldwide, including WA’s wine region in the South-West.
As promised, we’ve selected a tasting paddle of organic and biodynamic wines for you to try and compare along with our very own Pinot Noir. Possibly revealing, possibly foolish and just possibly surprising!
Pinot Noir is grown all around the world. For this fun-filled event, we have the most unique and exciting wines on show. The paddle of four includes Pinot from four different continents to give you a taste of the finest. Namely Europe, South America, Australia and the micro-continent of New Zealand.
The Famous Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is often considered the wine lover’s wine. Maybe we’re biased here at Mountford Wines, but it’s easy to see why. Its complex and nuanced flavours, delicate aromas and light-bodied velvety texture have captivated wine enthusiasts for centuries.
This tipple is famous for its ability to express the unique characteristics of the soil, climate and geography where the grapes are grown, making this upcoming event an extraordinary way to tease your senses and indulge in the magic of Pinot around the world, from the idyllic setting of WA's Southern Forests region.
The Pinot Picnic Event
Pinot Picnic celebrates premium Pinot Noir and local produce across Manjimup and Pemberton. The weekend-long event kicks off at Mountford Wines and will be repeated over the following two days.
When: From 10am Friday 28th April to Sunday 30th April
Where: Mountford Wines and Tangletoe Cidery - Bamess Road, Pemberton
Cost: $50 + booking fee includes: tasting paddle from four continents paired simply for palate clarity and detailed tasting notes with historic references
Along with Pinot Picnic, there are a variety of local events and offerings across the weekend highlighting pinots, truffles and local ingredients. From tasting masterclasses and sunsets picnics to wine and food pairing, exclusive vineyard experiences, cabaret shows and twilight scenery, it’s certainly the season for Pinot.
The Organic Showcase of Wines
Raise your glass and come paddle around the world with us!
We have a careful collection of Pinot Noir that showcases its versatility and range of flavours:
1. Domaine Jaeger DeFaix 2019 | France Wine Region
We had to have a Pinot Noir from the home of Pinot and this Europe beauty from Rully in Burgundy was the easiest to source. The greatest wine producers in Burgundy are all organic and biodynamic, producing magnificent drops such as this one.
Described as being “reminiscent of a Nuit St George opening with a core of sweet fruit, earth and spice - in short, a cracking vintage”, we have no doubts it’ll impress!
Fun Fact: The famous Romanee Conti was one of the first organic and biodynamic wines in Burgundy.
2. Two Paddocks 2021 | New Zealand Wine Region
Actor Sam Neill planted vines in Central Otago in 1993 where he became an early pioneer of not only the region but also of organic vine growing. This vintage is from his Zealandia vineyard; 46% whole bunch fermented using wild yeast, along with hand plunging through the winemaking process.
It’s described as brambly, earthy and plush, and is highly reviewed as one of the best Pinot Noirs of this vintage.
Fun Fact: Two Paddocks specialise in Pinot Noir and Riesling. There are four vineyards on-site that practice organic and holistic farming for the preservation of the soil, animals and people.
3. Bodega Chacra Sin Azufre 2021 | Patagonia Wine Region
This wine is irresistible and as such, it had to make the list. Reputed to be South America’s best Pinot Noir made from vines planted in 1932!
Long abandoned, the vineyard was purchased by Argentinian Piero Incisa della Rocchetta in 2004. Later another abandoned vineyard, this time in 1955, was added to the portfolio - all grown on their own ungrafted roots. The result is a clean wine that’s juicy, layered and transparent.
Fun Fact: The wine is fermented using wild yeasts, matured in 60% French oak, 30% Concrete tanks and 10% in clay amphorae.
4. Select Pinot Noir 2018 | Western Australia South-West Wine Region
Grown on a gentle North/East facing slope on our Mountford Wines vineyard in Pemberton, this Select Pinot is smooth, flavoursome and enticing to drink. It’s produced with minimal handling and matured in old French barriques.
Described as a dark cherry bouquet. The ripe cherry flavours linger on the palate with a light raspberry acidity. As always, gentle yet not dull.
Fun Fact: Mountford Wines and Tangletoe Cidery produce 100% certified organic products. Our winery and cidery are carbon-positive, and Tangletoe was the first cidery in Western Australia.
The Fun Wine-Matching Twist
We’ve included an added twist to the Pinot Picnic event, if you dare…!?
The around-the-world tastings can be blind. Of course, there is no obligation, but if you want a bit of extra fun let our team know on the day. We can give you the tasting notes, the wines and a pen, and then you match the wines with the continent that fits the description provided.
After you finish your tasting paddle, we’ll let you know how you went and publish the results on our blog. Don’t worry, your name won’t be mentioned if you prefer.
Let’s paddle around the world with organic Pinot.
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