Pinot Noir is a wine of many dimensions. It can be fruit-forward or earthy or something in between. But, no matter what style, Pinot Noir is a go-to wine when trying to pair with many dishes. Typically, it is Pinot Noir from Burgundy, the Willamette Valley, Sonoma, Sta. Rita Hills or New Zealand. But on the small pristine island of Tasmania in Australia, Pinot Noir shines and the Handpicked Wines 2015 Handpicked Collection Tasmania Pinot Noir, Australia is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

Tasmania is an island located off Australia’s southern coast. There is nothing between Tasmania and Antarctica and this means that Tasmania is a true cool climate Mediterranean region with a heavy maritime influence. This also means that conditions can be risky and vary from vintage to vintage.

Tasmania is an ideal region for sparkling wines and that is why Pinot Noir was first planted more than three decades ago. Handpicked Wines, who specialize in making regionally expressive and site-specific wines, source fruit from vineyards in Pipers River in the north east of the island and the Tamar River in the north. 

The resulting Pinot Noir is elegant and fresh with aromas of cherry, wild strawberry, floral perfume, dried herbs and tobacco. On the palate it is supple and smooth and will pair beautifully with roasted lamb or duck. The Handpicked Wines 2015 Handpicked Collection Tasmania Pinot Noir, Australia retails for approximately $50.