Pinot Noir

From the cool climates of southern New South Wales comes this fresh, new offering from Tumbarumba. Made with carbonic fermentation and whole berry Pinot Noir this is a juicy and fragrant pinot with strawberries liqueur cherry and soft seamless palette.

The Underground Project is a new range of wines where our winemakers can stretch their palates and wine making skills. Showing off not only their skills but the versatility of the high quality fruit they work with. These wines are not made in large quantities so be sure to keep an eye out for them and always give them a go!

Pinot Noir wine from Tumbarumba, made using carbonic fermentation and whole berry techniques, has a distinct and unique profile.

Appearance: Exhibiting bright, translucent ruby-red hue. This style of winemaking results in a lighter and more delicate color compared to traditional Pinot Noirs.

Aroma: Vibrant and aromatic. You can expect a bouquet of red fruit notes such as ripe cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. The carbonic fermentation process tends to preserve the freshness of the fruit and impart intense floral and fruity scents.

Flavor: A showcase of lively and juicy characters. The whole berry and carbonic fermentation methods tend to produce a wine with a soft, approachable palate. Flavours of red berries, especially red cherries, with a touch of cranberry and pomegranate. The wine's freshness may be accompanied by a hint of herbaceous notes and subtle spice.

Texture: Thanks to carbonic maceration, this Pinot Noir has a silky-smooth and slightly lighter mouthfeel. It should be very drinkable and easy on the palate, with supple tannins.

Finish: The finish of this wine is clean and refreshing, leaving a lingering taste of red fruits and perhaps a touch of minerality. The finish will be relatively short to medium in length, in line with the lighter style of Pinot Noir produced using these methods.

Overall our first vintage of the Underground Project's Pinot Noir is a charming and approachable wine. It's characterized by its vivid red fruit aromas and flavors, soft tannins, and an overall freshness that makes it a delightful choice for those who prefer a lighter, more fruit-forward style of Pinot Noir. It's a great wine for casual sipping and pairing with a variety of dishes, especially those that won't overpower its delicate characteristics.

A unique and intriguing expression of this lesser-known grape variety. Pinot Meunier is one of the three main grape varieties used in Champagne production, and when crafted as a single vineyard wine, it can showcase the distinct characteristics of both the grape and the terroir.

Here's how a single vineyard Pinot Meunier from Tumbarumba in 2023 presents:

Colour: A translucent ruby hue, with hints of purple, reflecting the grape's inherent lighter Colour and potential for elegance.

Aromas: The wine does offer a captivating bouquet of red fruit aromas. Look for vibrant notes of red cherries, wild strawberries, and raspberry. Floral undertones, reminiscent of rose petals or violets, might also be present, adding a layer of fragrance to the aroma profile.

Palate: On the palate, the Pinot Meunier does exhibit a medium body with balanced acidity. The red fruit flavours noted on the nose does carry over to the palate, accompanied by subtle hints of cranberry and pomegranate. The wine's texture is smooth and silky, enhancing its overall elegance.

Earthiness: Tumbarumba's terroir contributes an subtle earthy component to the wine's profile. Look for hints of forest floor, dried leaves, or a subtle minerality that adds complexity to the fruit-driven character.

Structure: Depending on the winemaking techniques, the wine's structure might include fine-grained tannins that contribute to a pleasing mouthfeel and potential for aging.

Finish: The finish is medium in length, with the wine's vibrant fruitiness and earthy undertones lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: Pinot Meunier's delicate nature and versatility make it a great companion for a variety of dishes. It does pair well with dishes that incorporate poultry, particularly duck, as well as roasted game birds. Its acidity and fruitiness does also complement dishes with earthy components, such as mushroom-based dishes or truffle-infused creations.

Overall, a single vineyard Pinot Meunier is a captivating exploration of this grape's potential outside of the Champagne region. Its delicate yet expressive nature, combined with the influence of the Tumbarumba terroir, does create a wine that offers both elegance and depth, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts of nuanced and intriguing wines to drink now.

A wine that beautifully captures the elegance and character of both the Pinot Noir grape and the unique terroir of Tumbarumba. The use of French oak for a brief period impart subtle oak influences while allowing the grape's natural characteristics to shine through.

Here's how such a wine presents as follows:

Colour: A light ruby red with shades of garnet at the rim, reflecting the youthful vibrancy of the wine and the potential for aging.

Aromas: The wine does showcase an alluring bouquet of red and dark fruit aromas. Look for notes of ripe red cherries, wild berries, and possibly even hints of blackberry. These fruit aromas is intertwined with delicate floral scents like violets and a touch of spice.

French Oak Influence: The brief maturation in French oak barrels does add complexity and depth to the wine. Expect subtle vanilla, toasty, and smoky aromas from the oak, enhancing the overall aromatic profile without overpowering the delicate fruit notes.

Palate: On the palate, the Pinot Noir does showcase a medium body with a silky and refined texture. The red and dark fruit flavours noted on the nose does translate to the palate, accompanied by a touch of cranberry and a hint of forest floor or earthiness. The wine's acidity would provide freshness, and the fine tannins does contribute to a pleasing structure.

Balance: The use of French oak for a brief period would aim to achieve a delicate balance between the oak's influences and the grape's natural characteristics, preserving the wine's varietal identity.

Finish: The finish is elegant and lingering, with the wine's fruitiness and subtle oak notes leaving a graceful impression on the palate.

Food Pairing: Pinot Noir's versatility makes it an excellent choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. Its lighter body and balanced acidity does complement dishes such as roasted poultry, grilled salmon, mushroom-based dishes, and charcuterie boards.

Ageability: This Pinot Noir does have the potential to age gracefully for a few years, allowing its flavours to evolve and integrate further.

Overall our Classic Pinot Noir from Tumbarumba in 2023 provides a delightful and nuanced experience. Its combination of expressive fruit, subtle oak influences, and the distinct qualities of the Tumbarumba region does create a wine that is both elegant and memorable, suitable for special occasions or for savouring the essence of this vintage and terroir.