Who makes it?

Pierro LTC is the ‘Little Touch of Chardonnay white wine blend. It is a classic Bordeaux Blanc blend with some Chardonnay. This makes it a Bordeaux meets Burgundy wine! Of course, red or white, the Margaret River does Bordeaux blends very well. Pierro is the label of Dr Michael Peterkin, one of Margaret River’s medical doctor turned wine grower/maker. 

It is unsurprising that this blend is outstanding. Dr Peterkin has been credited as making one of the very first Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon blanc blends. The red partner of this particular wine is LTCf. This is a red blend featuring the five classic Bordeaux grape varieties. Both these wines are worthy of cellaring.

The Pierro vineyards started to be planted in 1980 and the first grape varieties were Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Some of these oldest vines are still used for this blend.

How do they make it?

The Pierro vineyards are in the Willyabrup Valley. This is just kilometres from the famed Margaret River coast of Western Australia.  LTC is a blend of roughly 50 | 50 Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc with around 5% Chardonnay taking the place of one of the main grapes. The grapes are whole bunch pressed. Furthermore, about 25% ferments in French oak for a few months. 

What is interesting how they harvest the grapes in progressive pickings. The grapes are picked according to ripeness and vinified soon after. Then another batch ripens and the process continues. The winemaker then blends together all the batches to create the best blend for the vintage. To give additional texture and flavour, the team holds the wine on lees for up to four months..

What does it taste like?

Pierro LTC is a dry white wine. It is usually more medium bodied with fresh but balanced acid. There is some silkiness though, even in youth. The aromas and flavours are vibrant. There is plenty of citrus, stonefruit and some herbaceousness. The citrus and some cream lingers on the finish. 

It has great balance in youth, and as it ages it rounds out. With age some honeyed notes will creep in too. 

What to drink it with?

The LTC works very well with something like a pear and brie onion tart, or a chicken salad, or fish and chips. Something like feta triangles are very tasty. Alternatively, grilled scallops or other seafood is excellent.

Cheese

Enjoy with bloomy cheeses. Without a doubt, camembert is a good start. Or with a fresh cheese such as feta. 

Quickie review « A dry white that is delightfully fresh and fruity, yet, under screw cap is excellent even half a decade or more on. »

Country of Origin:  Margaret River, Australia
Tasting Date: January 2024
Price:  AU$38 | UK £23.5
Drink: now – 7+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Margaret River wines, why not check out:
Pierro Chardonnay

Visit Pierro for more.