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Overview
Calcaire is Derwent Estate's reserve Pinot Noir, showcasing the depth, concentration and structure achievable from Tasmania's cool-climate Derwent Valley. Grown on ancient limestone-derived soils, this carefully crafted wine combines intense dark berry fruit, complex spice and a powerful yet refined palate. Meticulous vineyard management, whole-bunch fermentation and maturation in 100% new oak contribute to its distinctive character and excellent cellaring potential.
Vineyard
The fruit comes from a 28-year-old vineyard on the north-facing banks of the Derwent River, north of Hobart. Permeable loam soils sit above ancient Permian limestone formed from a seabed approximately 250–280 million years ago. The vines are meticulously hand-tended, with yields reduced by 50% to just one bunch per shoot, concentrating flavour and preserving the distinctive character of the vineyard.
Winemaking
Grapes were hand-harvested and carefully hand-sorted at the winery. Forty percent of the fruit was fermented as whole bunches and crushed by foot, while the remaining 60% was destemmed. Fermentation proceeded entirely with indigenous wild yeasts, incorporating regular hand plunging and extended post-fermentation maceration.
The wine was subsequently transferred to 100% new oak for maturation, with malolactic fermentation occurring naturally during spring. A small addition of sulphur and filtration preceded bottling.
Producer Tasting Notes
Colour
Rich dark plum, cherry.
Aroma
Powerful and spicy, cocoa and cloves.
Palate
Brambly, dark berry fruits, spice.
Style
Structured, intense flavour.
Awards
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Bronze Medal – 2026 Tasmanian Wine Show
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Bronze Medal – 2024 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards
Producer
Derwent Estate is a family-owned winery situated on the historic Mt Nassau property in Tasmania's Derwent Valley. Established as a vineyard in 1992, the estate benefits from north-facing slopes, ancient limestone soils and a cool maritime-influenced climate.
Led by winemaker John Schuts and viticulturist Andrew Hanigan, the estate focuses on expressing individual vineyard characteristics through careful fruit selection and thoughtful winemaking. The Calcaire range represents the estate's premium expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, emphasising concentration, complexity and the distinctive qualities of its limestone-rich terroir.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2023
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Producer: Derwent Estate
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Cuvée: Calcaire Pinot Noir
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Country: Australia
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State: Tasmania
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Region: Derwent Valley
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Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Alcohol: 13.8%
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Residual Sugar: 0 g/L
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Acidity: 6 g/L
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pH: 3.73
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Vineyard: 28-year-old vines on north-facing slopes
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Soil: Permeable loams over Permian limestone
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Harvest: Hand Harvested
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Whole Bunch: 40%
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Fermentation: 100% Wild Yeast
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Maturation: 100% New Oak
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Malolactic Fermentation: Natural
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Cellaring Potential: Up to 15 years
