Our on-premise range Valle del Re has been crafted to showcase the wonderful Italian varieties grown in the King Valley.
The range includes a delicious Pinot Nero, known as Pinot Noir in France. Pinot Nero is Italy’s take on this enchanting grape, and it has a story worth savouring.
Pinot Nero, like its French counterpart Pinot Noir, traces its origins back to the Burgundy region of France. The grape variety is over a thousand years old and is renowned for its fickleness, requiring meticulous care and specific growing conditions to thrive. In Italy, Pinot Nero has found a home in the northern regions, particularly in Alto Adige, Oltrepò Pavese, and Friuli. In Australia, the variety thrives in the King Valley.
Pinot Nero grapes are small, thin-skinned, and notoriously difficult to grow, but the rewards are ample. The wine produced from these grapes is typically light-to-medium-bodied with a delicate structure. The hallmark of Pinot Nero is its aromatic complexity, often described as a bouquet of red berries, cherries, and raspberries, mingling with earthy undertones of mushrooms and forest floor. As it ages, the wine can develop more nuanced flavours, including hints of truffle, leather, and spice.
Italy’s diverse climates and soils impart unique characteristics to Pinot Nero, and this is mirrored in the King Valley. The altitude and cool climate result in wines with bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavours.
One of the joys of Pinot Nero is its versatility with food, making it the perfect on-premise wine. Its bright acidity and delicate tannins make it a perfect match for a variety of dishes. So, next time you’re perusing the wine list, consider choosing a bottle of Pinot Nero, perfect paired with a roast duck pizza or a pasta dish with mushrooms and truffle oil.
It’s more than just a wine; it’s a journey into the heart of Italy’s winemaking soul. Cheers!