Established in 1993 by two of Margaret River's most esteemed pioneers and winemakers, Bill and Sandra Pannell, Picardy is proof that Western Australia can produce world-class, fine-boned pinot noir and chardonnay. The Pannell family were the founders of Moss Wood in Margaret River, and following their established reputation for some of the country's finest cabernet sauvignon, in addition to helping put Margaret River on the map, Bill and Sandra redirected their attention to Burgundian varieties.
In pursuing a new viticultural challenge, they settled on a gravelly, well-drained site in the cool-climate region of Pemberton, situated around 130km south of Margaret River, close-planting vines on a north-facing slope some 35km inland from the Southern Ocean.
Second generation winemaker Dan Pannell heads up production; with his healthy Burgundy obsession, he's well-placed to continue the legacy of crafting super fine, small batch pinot noir and chardonnay that speaks volumes of this beautiful little corner of Western Australia. Somewhat antithetical to the Left Bank-inspired wines of Moss Wood, Dan has also been instrumental in exploring the feasibility of merlot and cabernet franc on the site, as well as shiraz, with huge success. Lucky for us, some commitment to that original venture remains in place, in Picardy's exceptional Sauvignon Blanc Semillon.
SUSTAINABILITY.
All Picardy fruit is estate-grown, unirrigated, cane-pruned and handpicked. Cover crops such as clover and annual grasses are used and composted with vine prunings to promote soil health and structure. Picardy also practices a non-cultivation policy which is beneficial in preserving the soil structure, builds soil carbon and helps to improve and maintain a healthy worm and microbe population.