The Yarra Valley, near Melbourne in Victoria, is one of Australia's premier cool-climate regions, celebrated for elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. Its cool, varied climate gives Pinot Noir of red cherry, spice and silky finesse, and Chardonnay of citrus, white peach and restraint. The valley also makes cool-climate Shiraz with a peppery, medium-bodied character and top-class traditional-method sparkling wine.
Structure
| Body | The Yarra's range of altitudes and aspects supports both lighter, more elegant reds and refined whites. It pioneered fine Australian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and its cooler sites yield sparkling base wine of real quality. The style throughout is one of elegance and freshness rather than power. |
|---|---|
| Acidity | High, fresh. |
| Tannin | Low to medium, silky in the Pinot. |
| Finish | Long and elegant, with red fruit and spice (Pinot); citrus (Chardonnay). |
| Aroma | Red cherry, raspberry, spice (Pinot); white peach, citrus, hazelnut (Chardonnay). |
Serving: 14–16°C Pinot; 11–13°C Chardonnay. · Decanting: Brief airing for young Pinot.
Yarra Valley drinking window
| Tier | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| Everyday | Drink within 2–5 years. |
| Premium | Best 3–10 years. |
| Top single-vineyard | 8–18 years. |
| Vintage | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Drinking well now. |
| 2019 | Hold to 2030. |
| 2021 | Cellar to 2033. |
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Yarra Valley — questions answered
What is the Yarra Valley known for?
Cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and high-quality traditional-method sparkling wine, plus elegant, peppery Shiraz.
Why is the Yarra good for Pinot Noir?
Its cool climate and varied sites give Pinot Noir of red-cherry elegance, freshness and silky texture.
Does the Yarra make sparkling wine?
Yes — its cool sites produce excellent traditional-method sparkling wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
What food pairs with Yarra Valley wines?
Duck, salmon and mushroom dishes with Pinot; roast chicken and creamy seafood with Chardonnay.