Pinot Noir has a reputation for being a capricious grape, reluctant to give of its best unless everything is in place (soil, climate, temperature, aspect, humidity etc), but this diva-like behaviour might just be the result of the limited choices that winemakers had in the centuries that preceded modern interconnectivity. Burgundy is the traditional home of Pinot Noir, and Burgundy is relatively cold, with low rainfall, south east-facing slopes, early morning mists and winter snow. This has led to a lot of wine books stating that Pinot Noir likes relatively cold climates, low rainfall, south east-facing slopes, early morning mists and winter snow. That was probably the accepted wisdom, until forward-thinking winemakers planted vines in Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and South Africa, and Pinot Noir discovered sunshine and ocean breezes and dry earth beneath its roots and flourished in a way that no one expected.

Take this delightful, uncomplicated Australian Pinot Noir, for example, full of juicy, rounded fruit, so evidently ripened by warmth and sunshine. It’s not a Burgundian Pinot Noir in any way, shape or form, but that’s not the only acceptable paradigm anymore. This is a great red for picnics or barbecues, bursting with cherry, plum and strawberry ripeness. 13.5% alc. Wild yeast fermentation. Aged in pre-loved 225 litre barrels. Drink now-2030.