Mayer Granite Pinot Noir 2017
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Grape: Pinot Noir
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
Culinary Suggestions: Charcuterie, Venison Carpaccio, Roasted Root Vegetables
Alcohol: 13%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Overview
Mayer Wines, established by German-born winemaker Timo Mayer in the Yarra Valley, is a boutique winery known for its bold and experimental approach. After gaining experience in Germany and Australia, Timo settled in the Yarra Valley in the early 2000s, bringing a philosophy of minimal intervention and a commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the region. His vineyard sits on a steep, cool-climate site in the Yarra’s Upper Valley, which lends itself to the production of vibrant, terroir-driven wines.
The winery is particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir and Syrah, though Timo also works with varieties like Chardonnay and Gamay, producing small-batch, handcrafted wines that embrace wild fermentation, whole-bunch pressing, and minimal additives. Mayer’s wines are celebrated for their intense aromatics, texture, and individuality, making them a favourite among wine enthusiasts who appreciate an expressive, natural style.
The Granite Pinot Noir originates from a unique single vineyard within the Yarra Valley, where the vines thrive in granite-rich soils seldom seen in this cool-climate region. Mayer’s dedication to sustainable practices and minimal intervention allows this vintage to truly embody the landscape from which it comes. His focus on terroir-driven winemaking and whole-bunch fermentation, a hallmark of his approach, lends a natural complexity and depth to this wine.
The granite soils impart a notable minerality, infusing the wine with a fresh, focused character and a structural elegance rare in New World Pinots. Mayer’s precision in nurturing the natural vibrancy of the grapes results in a Pinot Noir that is both powerful and finessed, drawing on the full expression of the vineyard’s unique geology. The use of wild yeasts and minimal sulphur enhances this wine’s authenticity, creating a vivid yet nuanced profile that evolves beautifully with each sip.