# Ocean Eight Pinot Noir (2019)

- **Producer:** Ocean Eight
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Victoria, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €40
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, red cherry, raspberry, nutmeg, cloves, butter, cream, earth, forest floor

## About this wine

The Ocean Eight Pinot Noir 2019 is a red wine from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. Produced by the family-owned Ocean Eight winery, the wine is crafted by winemaker Michael Aylward, who draws inspiration from his family's winemaking legacy and his travels through Burgundy. The Mornington Peninsula's cool-climate conditions are central to the winery's philosophy, aiming to create wines that reflect the unique terroir and pair well with food. The Pinot Noir grapes for this vintage were grown in a vineyard planted in 1999, featuring clones 114, 115, and MV6, and were harvested in March of 2019.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyard planted in 1999 with classic Pinot Noir clones.
- Winemaker's family has a long history in Australian wine.
- Winery is family-owned and operated.
- Focus on small-batch, high-quality production.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and medium tannins are versatile, cutting through richer dishes while complementing proteins. Its fruit-forward character harmonizes with earthy and savory elements, making it a natural partner for a range of poultry, pork, and game.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Ocean Eight Pinot Noir 2019 begins with destemmed grapes undergoing a 3-4 day cold maceration in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation follows in stainless steel at temperatures between 25-32°C for about three weeks, after which a gentle pressing is performed. The wine is then aged for approximately 9 months in old 500-liter French oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation also occurs. Farming practices include yield restrictions and soil protection.