Pierro
Summary
Pierro is a boutique, family-owned winery established in 1979 by Dr. Michael Peterkin in Margaret River's Wilyabrup subregion, focusing on Chardonnay from 20 hectares of gravelly loam soils with maritime influence. The winery combines traditional methods with scientific precision derived from Dr. Peterkin's medical background, employing hand harvesting, whole-bunch pressing, barrel fermentation, and extended aging to create wines that honor both vineyard expression and established winemaking techniques.
Heritage & Leadership
Pierro was established in 1979 when Dr. Michael Peterkin purchased property in the Wilyabrup subregion of Margaret River, Western Australia. Dr. Peterkin, who holds qualifications in both medicine and winemaking, planted the first vines in 1980. His medical background, combined with formal oenology training at Roseworthy Agricultural College, provided him with a scientific approach to viticulture and winemaking that has defined Pierro's development.
The winery remains family-owned, with Dr. Peterkin continuing as the principal winemaker and proprietor. His daughter, Josephine Perry, has joined the family business after completing her own winemaking studies and gaining experience in France. The winery takes its name from Pierro the Clown, a character from a Watteau painting, reflecting Dr. Peterkin's appreciation for art alongside his scientific pursuits.
Over four decades, Pierro has maintained its position as a boutique producer focused on quality rather than expansion. The winery's first commercial vintage was released in 1983, and since then, Pierro has maintained consistent ownership and direction under Dr. Peterkin's leadership.
Vineyards & Wines
Pierro's vineyards span approximately 20 hectares in the Wilyabrup Valley, located in the northern part of Margaret River. The property sits about 5 kilometers from the Indian Ocean, benefiting from maritime influences that moderate temperature extremes. The vineyards are planted on gravelly loam soils over clay subsoils, typical of the region's best viticultural land.
The vineyard is planted predominantly to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon. Chardonnay represents the largest portion of plantings, reflecting the winery's focus on this variety. The vines now average over 30 years of age, with the oldest blocks dating back to the initial 1980 plantings.
Pierro produces a focused range of wines, with their "LTC" (Lettuce Turnip Cauliflower) serving as the flagship. Other notable wines include the Pierro Chardonnay, Fire Gully Chardonnay, Pierro Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, and the "LTCF" (Little Touch of Cabernet Franc) red blend. The winery also produces a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend and a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in exceptional vintages.
Philosophy & Practice
Dr. Peterkin's approach combines scientific precision with traditional winemaking methods. In the vineyard, practices focus on achieving physiological ripeness through careful canopy management and yield control. Harvest is conducted by hand to ensure only optimal fruit enters the winery.
For white wines, particularly Chardonnay, whole-bunch pressing is employed to minimize phenolic extraction. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, with regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) to build texture and complexity. Pierro's Chardonnay undergoes complete malolactic fermentation and extended barrel aging, typically 10-12 months in French oak with approximately 50% new barrels.
Red wines are fermented in open fermenters with gentle extraction techniques. After fermentation, the wines are transferred to French oak barrels for maturation periods of 18-24 months, depending on the variety and vintage conditions.
Dr. Peterkin's medical background influences his meticulous attention to detail in the winery, where cleanliness and precision are paramount. The winery employs gravity flow principles where possible to minimize mechanical handling of the wine. Production remains deliberately small, allowing for hands-on management throughout the winemaking process and maintaining the boutique character that has defined Pierro since its inception.