Pinelli Estate’s 35 Years of Winemaking Celebrations
Mr. Spittoon and I were lucky enough to be invited to help the Pinelli family celebrate 35 years of winemaking in the Swan Valley last weekend with the founders of the Estate, Domenic & Yolanda Pinelli and their children who now run and manage the estate.
I apologise for my less than great photo quality – between low-light, an iPhone and my eagerness to get stuck in.. It all shows in the photos unfortunately.
The evening…
The evening consisted of beautiful canapes and bubbles on the patio outside Fillaudeau’s Restaurant (part of the Pinelli property) as we enjoyed the sunset over the vineyard, followed by a 3 course meal and wine inside the restaurant. Our MC for the night was Daniel Pinelli, son of Domenic & Yolanda and guest speakers included Paul Murray (former editor of The West Australian & radio host on 6PR) alongside Michael Tamburri the owner of La Vigna wine store in Mt Lawley.
The menu (see pic below) was insanely delectable. On the patio we feasted on arancini and crispy duck with pearl couscous – both totally divine. And the 3 course meal left me wanting to lick every inch of the plates. As you know from my previous posts on Fillaudeau’s – I totally crush on their food and the service is always top-notch!
It’s hard to pick a favourite dish, I loved the pork belly and dessert but there was something so simple, so Italian and just so mouth-watering about the entrée. I loved it. Matched with the 2010 Pinelli Verdelho was heaven!!!
Plus the Estate Olive Oil was very tasty too, I had to go back the next day and buy a bottle from the cellar door (750ml for $16).
The seating plan was done perfectly as Mr. Spittoon and I were lucky enough to be right beside Daniel from the cellar door (the guy formerly with long curly hair however he’s now cut it all off!) which meant he made sure we tasted some outstanding wines. The Verdelho was a good start yet the winner for me on the night was the 2004 Shiraz. Totally mind-blowing! I wrote up a half-inebriated tasting note below at the time:
Pinelli 2004 Shiraz
Gorgeous nose of leather, black cherries, jarrah and black jelly beans. The most magnificent flavour from the start to the super long finish. Juicy, complex and my oh my I have to say it.. Orgasm in a glass! Juicy cherries, sweet spices, plums and boysenberries.
Italian heritage…
The Pinelli’s come from Italian heritage and they took over the Caversham property in 1980.
The property is roughly 3 hectares and was formerly part of the leading WA producer – Waldeck Wines. Ken Waldeck began growing grapes on the property in 1908 mostly for dried fruit, however in the 1930s they began converting to wine grapes (that’s what we like to hear!).
The winemakers…
Their sons, Robert & Daniel are the winemakers at the estate. Robert graduated from the University of Adelaide as a winemaker in 1987 and has been working at Pinelli’s for over 20 years now.
In 1994 Daniel graduated from the University of WA in Civil Engineering and it was later in 2002 he joined his older brother Robert at the winery. Daniel completed his winemaking degree with Distinction in 2007 at Charles Sturt University. He also won the Domain Chandon prize for the best Sparkling Wine Student!
Wine philosophy…
After meeting Daniel, Domenic & Yolanda I have to say they are all super lovely and friendly people. Their philosophy rings true to their heirtage – wine is for every day enjoyment with friends and family. True to the philosophy they make easy-drinking wines at affordable prices. On average the Pinelli’s produce around 200,000 litres of wine per year. They have 14 premium wines as well as a range of bulk wines – by the flagon!
More about Pinelli Estate…
Address: 30 Bennett Street, Caversham WA 6055
Phone: (08) 9279 6818
Wines: Sparkling, Vermentino, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Rose, Merlot, Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz, White Moscato, Late Harvest sweet wine, Pink Moscato, Aged Tawny and of course the ‘2-Litre House Wines’ at $10-13.50 a pop!
Wine tasting cost: Free!
Food available: Yes, check out Fillaudeau’s which is right beside the cellar door and looks out over the vines
Child friendly: No playground however there is a grassy area for kids to muck around on
Website: www.pinelliwines.com.au
