Pierro are fortunate in that beautiful Willyabrup vineyard is located in what is widely regarded as amongst the finest wine grape growing terrain in the world. Located in the heart of Western Australia's renowned Margaret River wine region, this far flung locality has a viticultural pedigree second to none. The Pierro property on Caves Rd was acquired by estate patriarch Dr Mike Peterkin in 1979. The block was chosen due to its north facing slopes, gravelly loam soils and Willyabrup brook, which flows through the entire property. The first vines were established in September 1980, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The big Medoc varietals came later, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc followed in 1988.
As is the case with many premier vineyards elsewhere in the world, the presence of this natural watercourse provides a nourishing life source for the vineyard. It is no coincidence that several of the State's other premier vineyards and wineries are also situated in this gently undulating country by the brook. Couple this with soils ideally suited to the needs of classic varietal grapevines and Pierro found themselves in a viticultural paradise. Amid this marvellous terroir sits Pierro Margaret River Vineyards. Pierro made its first wine in 1979, a Cabernet Sauvignon vintaged from grapes purchased from neighbouring Moss Wood. In the year that followed, the winery and cellar door were built out of rammed earth and local jarrah.
The Willyabrup district of Margaret River is situated in the continent's deep southwest, a relatively young region unsullied by the impact of human population and development. Fresh air, clean seas, unspoiled country and fruitful earth have been simple, priceless qualities here for millennia.
A stable and predictable Mediterranean maritime climate is a vigneron's dream come true, Margaret River has this too. Surrounded by open water on three sides between capes Leeuwin and Naturaliste, the wine region is almost completely free of pollutants and contaminants.
Pierro's history is inextricably aligned with the emergence of Margaret River as one of the great young wine regions of the world. Pierro couldn't be located in a better grape growing or winemaking district if they tried. Year round, the Pierro vines are swept by pure, cool sea breezes, blowing in off the Indian and Southern Oceans. Mild, wet winters and sun splashed summer seasons add to the viticultural equation. Wherever Pierro wines are enjoyed around the world today they invariably impart a tangible trace of their idyllic place of origin, warm southern climes, ancient soils, healthful vines and years of skilled hands on viticulture and winemaking.
For over a quarter of a century, Pierro have striven to fuse these elements to produce superior wines of singular extraction, character and elegance. The quest for heightened quality continues with each passing vintage.
