One of Australia’s most popular Pinot Grigios has added a Trophy to its name after taking out a major award at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show.

Sourced predominantly from high altitude, cool climate vineyards in the upper King Valley, Brown Brothers’ 2008 Pinot Grigio was proclaimed the best wine in the show (for production over 1000 cases) when it was awarded the Trophy for  ‘Best Commercial Volume Wine’.

Brown Brothers CEO Ross Brown said the decision to establish cool climate vineyards at Whitlands (800m) and Banksdale (485m) was a key to the wine’s strong following.

“Our cool climate vineyards are really crucial to the success of our Pinot Grigio because they enable us to replicate the soils and weather conditions of the grape’s spiritual home in North Eastern Italy,” he said.

Brown Brothers was one of the pioneers of Pinot Grigio production in Australia releasing its first vintage in 1994. During that time, the family-owned company consulted with many Italian wine makers and viticulturalists to ensure they could reproduce all of the wine’s classic flavour characters in Australia.

Since then, the wine has developed a strong following throughout the country and is now Australia’s number 1 selling Pinot Grigio above $15 (MAT 1/11/09).

“This detailed approach to our viticulture and winemaking over the last 15 years has enabled us to consistently produce the crisp and distinctly textured flavours you would expect to see in an authentic Pinot Grigio,” added Ross.

Brown Brothers 2008 Pinot Grigio boasts fresh aromas of citrus and pear, while the palate offers some distinct savoury characters and a crisp finish full of delicate acidity thanks to the cool climate fruit.  

Brown Brothers 2008 Pinot Grigio is widely distributed throughout Australia and is delicious with smoked trout or an antipasto platter containing artichokes, olives, asparagus and prosciutto. RRP $18.00.

For media information, images and interviews please contact Scott Darkin on 03 5720 5467 or spdarkin@brownbrothers.com.au.