# Punt Road Pinot Noir (2023)

- **Producer:** Punt Road Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Victoria, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pomegranate, red cherry, butter, cream

## About this wine

The Punt Road Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley, Australia. It is produced by Punt Road Wines, a family-owned estate with a long history in the region. The vineyard itself is one of Victoria's most historic, with vines first planted in 1860. The wine is crafted using fruit from both mature plantings, including the MV6 clone, and younger blocks of other clones, aiming for depth and complexity. The 2023 vintage experienced challenging weather conditions typical of a La Niña year, resulting in lower yields which can contribute to flavor concentration.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyard planted in 1860, one of Victoria's oldest.
- Third-generation family fruit growers.
- Uses a blend of mature and younger Pinot Noir clones.
- 2023 vintage yields were reduced due to La Niña weather.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and subtle tannins complement lean proteins like duck, chicken, and lamb without overpowering them. Its bright acidity cuts through richer dishes, while fruit notes can echo or contrast with fruit-based sauces or accompaniments.

## Wine making process

The Punt Road Pinot Noir is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The winemaking process involves a 3-day cold soak for 90% of the wine, followed by whole berry fermentation in 5-tonne fermenters for approximately 20 days, with gentle pump-overs twice daily. The remaining 10% is fermented as whole bunches in smaller vessels. Post-fermentation, the wine is pressed and aged in a mix of new (under 15%) and used French oak barrels, where malolactic conversion also takes place. The whole bunch components are managed separately during aging.