Australian’s love for Pinot Noir is growing exponentially and this is why events such as the Stonier International Pinot Noir Tasting (SIPNOT), which returns to Melbourne on October 15th, are becoming increasingly popular.
In Australia, Pinot Noir generates $169m in retail sales value, making it the third largest red varietal behind Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon[1]. The popularity of the classic variety is soaring with sales growing by 20% in the last 12 months. This is well ahead of the red bottled segment growth of 6% MAT.
Unlike other varieties that typically tend to have one dominant region, Pinot Noir value is spread across a number of regions. The top regions are Tasmania, Marlborough (NZ), Central Otago (NZ) and Yarra Valley. Mornington Peninsula comes in fifth and is growing at 40%. These five regions account for 68% of Pinot Noir sales in Australia.
Mike Symons, Senior Winemaker at Stonier, says the Mornington Peninsula based winery was somewhat of a trailblazer when it first launched SIPNOT in 2000 at a time when Pinot Noir was a lesser known grape variety in Australia. Since then, it has clearly established its prominence and legacy in the wine industry as one of the nation’s leading Pinot Noir events.
SIPNOT alternates between being held in Sydney and Melbourne but has also featured internationally in London (2011 and 2012) and Hong Kong (2014). This year marks the 22nd event.
“The quality of wines and informed discussions have made SIPNOT a must attend event for wine trade and wine loving consumers. It’s always a fascinating night that focuses on the character of Pinot Noir, unearthing its different incarnations rather than focusing on which wine you think is best,” said Symons.
The renowned event provides a wonderful forum to taste, appreciate and debate the qualities and characters of 12 carefully selected Pinot Noirs included in the tasting line-up. This year they come from Australia, New Zealand, France and the USA.
Guests know the wines that are featured, but are unaware in which order they are poured. Table captains are seated at each table to encourage conversation and give everyone an opportunity to have their opinion heard.
“Pinot Noir is an enigmatic grape variety that is prized around the world. Even after many years, it continues to surprise and teach you something new. This is why SIPNOT is such a wonderful platform to continue one’s ongoing fascination and education with this variety,” said Symons.
This year’s SIPNOT wine panel will be led by respected Australian wine critic James Halliday AM who has been involved with SIPNOT since the beginning. He will be joined by The Lucas Group Wine Business Development Manager Philip Rich, highly regarded wine marketing and strategy specialist Aaron Brasher and Stonier’s very own Mike Symons.
SIPNOT 2018
Where: Myer Mural Hall, 314/336 Bourke St, Melbourne
When: Monday, 15th October, 2018pm-9.30pm
Tickets are $195 and can be purchased through the Stonier website or contacting the winery:
W: www.stonier.com.au/Events/About-SIPNOT
P: (03) 5989 8300
Due to the rarity of the chosen wines, seats are strictly limited, with early bookings recommended. SIPNOT is always a sold out event.
Pinot Noir selection for SIPNOT 2018
2015 Bergström – Silice Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
2015 Bouchard Pere et Fils – Les Rugiens, Pommard, Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
2016 Charteris – Charteris Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand
2016 Curly Flat – Curly Flat Pinot Noir, Macedon, Victoria, Australia
2016 Dirty Three – Holgates Road (Dirt 3), Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
2016 Dry River – Dry River Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand
2016 Garagiste – Terre de Feu, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
2015 J. Christopher – Sandra Adele Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
2015 Olivier Bernstein – Clos de la Roche, Morey St Denis, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France
2015 SC Guillard – Les Corbeaux, Gevrey Chambertin, Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
2016 Stonier – Merron’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
2015 Sylvain Cathiard – Aux Thorey, Nuits Saint Georges, Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
#SIPNOTMelb2018
