Price Drop: Pyren Vineyards Tanwood Pinot Gris 2023

The Victorian Pyrenees offers a classic climate for aromatic white wines, with cool nights and warm days that preserve the grape's natural acidity while developing complex fruit flavours. This continental climate allows Pinot Gris to retain its signature tartness while developing the fleshy stone fruit characters that make this variety so appealing. The region's elevation and temperature variations create perfect conditions for producing balanced, food-friendly wines.

The wine's combination of white peach, pear, and green apple notes with yoghurt-like texture makes it excellent with seafood, particularly grilled fish or prawns. The almond skin tartness and medium body also complement creamy pasta dishes, roast chicken, and soft cheeses like brie or camembert. Its fresh, juicy style pairs beautifully with Asian cuisine, especially dishes with ginger or light spice.

This 2023 shows the hallmark characteristics of quality Australian Pinot Gris - more textural weight and fruit intensity than its Alsatian counterparts, yet maintaining the variety's signature crispness. The fleshy stone fruit characters and medium body reflect Australia's warmer climate influence, while the green apple tartness ensures it remains refreshing. It's drinking beautifully now but will develop more complex honeyed notes over the next 2-3 years.

Pyren Vineyards has crafted a Pinot Gris that showcases the variety's versatility, balancing ripe fruit expression with refreshing acidity. Their Tanwood vineyard site allows the grapes to develop complex aromatics while retaining natural tartness, creating a wine that's both approachable and sophisticated. The yoghurt-like texture suggests careful lees contact, adding depth without overwhelming the wine's fresh, juicy character.

Serve this Pinot Gris well-chilled at 8-10°C to highlight its fresh, aromatic qualities and maintain the crisp acidity that balances the fleshy fruit flavours. Use a medium-sized white wine glass to concentrate the delicate peach and pear aromas while allowing the wine to breathe slightly. The cooler temperature will emphasise the green apple tartness and almond skin notes that provide the wine's structural backbone.