Trofeo Estate Home of Terracotta Wine wins Silver for their 2019 Blanc de Noir (90pts) and Bronze for their 2024 Trofeo Estate Pinot Gris.
In the distinguished world of Australian wine, few accolades resonate with the history and prestige of the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards. Since its establishment in 1883, this venerable institution has been a definitive benchmark for viticultural excellence. It is a stage where the nation’s most accomplished winemakers gather to present the fruits of their labour. This year, amidst a field of over 2,300 entries from 440 of Australia’s finest wineries, Trofeo Estate is immensely proud to announce a significant achievement.
Silver: Bottle Fermented Pinot Noir Dominant (Best Sparkling)
The journey of our 2019 Blanc de Noir is one of meticulous care, from vine to glass. Crafted exclusively from 100% Pinot Noir, this remarkable sparkling stands as a testament to the artistry and singular character of the Mornington Peninsula. Notably, it has been honoured with a 93-point rating from Halliday—an endorsement of its elegance and distinction.
Patiently matured for 55 months resting on lees, the wine offers a tapestry of sensory delights: subtle lactic undertones mingle with evocative whispers of quince and cinnamon-stewed apples, while a fine, persistent mousse lends an exuberant, lingering effervescence. The palate is rounded yet quite dry and biscuity, with toasty red fruits, hints of brioche, toasted bread dough, grilled nuts, and dried fruits—all culminating in a honeyed entry, a soft, rounded and appley mid-palate, and a crunchy acid extension.
Trofeo’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the ancient technique of aging and fermenting in Terracotta Amphora pots. This method, used for centuries by winemakers, preserves the purity and authenticity of the wine by allowing a natural interaction between the grapes and their environment. The Terracotta Amphora, with its porous structure, enables gentle micro-oxygenation, which enhances the wine’s texture and complexity while maintaining its vibrant character. This artisanal process eliminates the need for modern additives and interventions, fostering an organic evolution of flavor that is both timeless and exclusive.
At the heart of our winemaking lies the use of terracotta amphorae—an ancient technique that imparts purity and finesse. Terracotta, an inorganic medium, resists harbouring spoilage microorganisms, thus reducing the need for sulphur. Its unique ability to ‘breathe’ allows gentle micro-oxygenation of the wine, elegantly developing mouthfeel and amplifying aromatics and flavours, while preserving the truest expression of varietal character.
All our wines are produced from fruit that is exclusively handpicked and tended in our Mornington Peninsula vineyards, where cool climate varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon flourish. Guided by organic and biodynamic viticulture principles, we nurture each vine with the utmost care and respect for nature’s rhythms.
We invite you to taste these acclaimed wines at our Mornington Peninsula cellar door and experience the terracotta difference firsthand. For a deeper immersion, join us at our exclusive Terracotta Wine Dinner series, ‘Ode to Sparkling.’ Celebrate with us—reserve your place for $198pp and discover the artistry behind every bottle.
