Kranthi Gudipati steps out of Melbourne’s Camberwell store to share his insider tips on this incredible grape variety.

"Pinot noir is one of my favourite varietals because it’s just so elegant," says Camberwell Wine Merchant Kranthi Gudipati.

"Especially when it’s from a cooler region, which gives refreshing acidity and concentrated fruit flavours."

Yering Station, Victoria’s first vineyard, was planted in 1838 by the Scottish-born Ryrie brothers. Today it’s overseen by chief winemaker Willy Lunn and winemaker James Oliver. During a recent visit to Yering Station, James guided Kranthi through the vineyards, explaining the difference that aspect and soil can make, even in a small area.

The Yarra Valley is often compared to Burgundy for its affinity with pinot noir and the region has certainly earned a reputation for elegance and delicate character. The Yering Station pinot noir has a classic spicy and sweet fruit palate, while the Inverness Ridge is a more generous single vineyard wine from the Gruyere subregion. “We use precision viticulture to recognise particularly special parcels of fruit from the best blocks and rows,” James says. “This allows us to coax the best out of the vineyard.’

Will Slocombe has seen an increase in the range and reliability of affordable pinot noirs in the 10 years he’s worked for Dan Murphy’s.

He says increased plantings, modern winemaking techniques and plenty of practice with the variety have all contributed to a huge jump in quality for under-$15 wines.

"The myth that you can’t get an a ordable pinot has been busted," he says. "Not only are these wines delicious, they also leave room in the budget for the matching cheese!"

The fruit for this wine was harvested from three premium vineyards, all in elevated cool climate sites within an hour of the winery.

The result is a bright pinot with spicy oak and enough refreshing acidity to cut through richer meats. It’d be a brilliant match for pork ramen or creamy mushroom pasta – anything with a lot of umami.