Giant Steps Pinot Noir Yarra Valley - Cool Climate Elegance

Product Overview

Giant Steps Pinot Noir Yarra Valley exemplifies the artistry and expertise of cool-climate winemaking in Australia. Crafted by the renowned Giant Steps winery, this wine is a testament to the Yarra Valley’s potential for producing elegant, expressive Pinot Noirs. Founded in 1998 by visionary Phil Sexton, Giant Steps has become synonymous with high-quality, site-specific wines that capture the spirit of their origins.

The Yarra Valley Advantage

Nestled in Victoria, the Yarra Valley is revered as one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Its cool, temperate conditions, diverse soils, and varied elevations make it a perfect environment for Pinot Noir cultivation. Here, grapes benefit from a slow and even ripening process, which enhances the delicate aromatics and structural integrity essential for crafting world-class Pinot Noirs.

Vineyard Practices

Giant Steps sources its Pinot Noir from esteemed vineyards such as Sexton, Applejack, and Primavera. Each vineyard contributes its unique character to the wine through meticulous viticultural practices. Hand-picking ensures only the finest fruit is selected, while clonal diversity further enriches the complexity of the final blend.

Winemaking Philosophy

Embodying a minimal intervention approach, Giant Steps allows the essence of each site to shine. Indigenous yeasts are used to naturally ferment the hand-picked grapes. The winemaking process emphasizes open fermentation and gravity-flow techniques to preserve delicate aromas and flavors. This philosophy ensures each bottle reflects not only the unique terroir of its vineyard but also the vintage’s specific nuances.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale ruby hue.
• Aromatics: Intense aromas of cherries, blue and red fruits dominate, accompanied by hints of raspberry, cranberry, and subtle spices like Earl Grey tea, white pepper, and clove.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a harmonious balance of flavor and texture. Expect silky smooth notes of fresh raspberries and cranberries, alongside savory undertones and a touch of salted caramel.
• Finish: The finish is long and complex, lingering with nuances of clove and green cardamom, embodying the wine’s sophisticated character.

Ideal Pairings

The nuanced complexity of Giant Steps Pinot Noir makes it a versatile partner for various dishes. Enjoy it with handmade pappardelle and confit duck, or complement its savory elements with wild mushroom risotto. The wine’s elegance also pairs wonderfully with summer Alpine Comte cheese and grilled aubergine dishes.

Critical Acclaim

Celebrated by critics, this Pinot Noir consistently garners top scores. The 2021 vintage achieved critical success, with 96 points from the Australian Wine Companion and a top 20 position in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2022. Such accolades underscore its standing as a leader in cool-climate Australian Pinot Noir.

Vintage Highlights

The 2021 vintage brought challenges with cooler temperatures and rainfall, yet these conditions ultimately contributed to greater concentration and intensity within the wine. This vintage offers extended cellaring potential, developing greater complexity and depth over time.

Embrace the journey into the Yarra Valley with each sip of Giant Steps Pinot Noir - a true celebration of terroir and innovation in winemaking.