Cool climate, big personality: get to know Australian Pinot Noir

Meet Polly Mackarel, Head Sommelier at Infinity by Mark Best and curator of the restaurant’s Australian-only wine list.

In our latest video for The Sommelier's Pick series, Polly explores how Australian Pinot Noir has moved well beyond its reputation as simply a light red. Through careful work in the vineyard and winery, producers are creating wines with ripe fruit, silky texture and generous flavour - qualities that make them equally appealing on their own or alongside food.

Cool climates are central to the variety’s character. In Orange, New South Wales, Pinot Noir often shows a smooth, generous expression, with cherry and strawberry notes balanced by a rich, savoury edge.

Further south, Tasmania offers a different expression, where its cool conditions help preserve the bright, clean aromatics that make Pinot Noir so immediately inviting in the glass.

Watch the video to hear Polly’s insights on the variety’s juicy, silky appeal and discover how Australian Pinot Noir can express itself across cool-climate regions.

Want to learn more?

Explore the Pinot Noir module at Australian Wine Discovered, with a detailed facilitator guide, editable presentation, videos, tasting tools and downloadable resources. Learn more about the styles, techniques, regions and food matches shaping Australian sparkling wine, with resources designed to deepen your understanding and support confident tasting, teaching and sharing.

Visit Australian Pinot Noir on Australian Wine Discovered to continue your Australian Pinot Noir journey.