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Pierro

Pierro

Pierro is a family-owned boutique winery in Margaret River's Wilyabrup subregion, founded in 1979 by Dr. Michael Peterkin. The estate pioneered the first Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend in Australia and produces a Chardonnay considered one of the country's highest-rated white wines.

Key Facts
  • Founded in 1979 by Dr. Michael Peterkin, a medical doctor who studied oenology at Roseworthy Agricultural College
  • Located in the Wilyabrup subregion of Margaret River, on the north-facing south bank of Willyabrup Brook
  • Pioneered the first Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend produced in Australia
  • Planted the first high-density vineyard in Margaret River at 4,000 to 5,500 vines per hectare
  • Chardonnay holds cult status and is ranked among Australia's highest-rated white wines
  • Produces around 20 different wine varieties from nine grape varieties
  • Dr. Peterkin continues to practice as a GP every Friday alongside running the winery

📖History and Founding

Pierro was established in 1979 by Dr. Michael Peterkin during the emergence of Margaret River as one of Australia's premier wine regions. Peterkin, a medical doctor who pursued formal oenology training at Roseworthy Agricultural College, brought a rigorous, analytical approach to winemaking from the outset. The estate remains family-owned and operated today, and Peterkin famously continues to work as a GP every Friday while managing all aspects of the winery.

  • Founded in 1979, coinciding with Margaret River's rise as a top Australian wine region
  • Dr. Peterkin trained at Roseworthy Agricultural College for formal oenology qualifications
  • Family-owned and operated across more than four decades
  • Peterkin balances a weekly medical practice with full winery management

🌿Vineyard and Terroir

The Pierro vineyard sits on the north-facing south bank of Willyabrup Brook within the Wilyabrup subregion of Margaret River. Soils are moderately deep laterite gravel interspersed with granite, sitting over ancient base rock with friable pink clay merging into a shattered rock layer below. A Mediterranean maritime climate with cooling ocean breezes moderates temperatures through the growing season. Pierro established the first high-density vineyard planting in Margaret River, with vine density ranging from 4,000 to 5,500 vines per hectare.

  • Laterite gravel and granite soils over ancient base rock with friable pink clay subsoils
  • Mediterranean maritime climate tempered by cooling ocean breezes
  • First high-density planting in Margaret River at 4,000 to 5,500 vines per hectare
  • North-facing aspect on the south bank of Willyabrup Brook maximises sun exposure
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🍇Wines and Innovation

Pierro produces around 20 different wines from nine grape varieties, with a clear emphasis on stylish white wines and Bordeaux-style blends. The estate's Chardonnay has achieved cult status and is consistently considered one of Australia's highest-rated white wines. Pierro also holds the distinction of producing the first Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend made in Australia, establishing a template that countless Margaret River producers have since followed. Red wine production benefits from meticulous quality control, with grape sorting conducted at both bunch and berry level.

  • Chardonnay is the flagship wine and one of Australia's most acclaimed whites
  • Created the first Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend in Australia
  • Grapes include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, and Viognier
  • Red wines undergo meticulous sorting at both bunch and berry level
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🏆Reputation and Legacy

Pierro occupies a unique position in Australian wine as both a technical pioneer and a quality benchmark. The estate's innovations in vine density and blending have influenced the broader Margaret River region. Its Chardonnay stands alongside the best white wines produced anywhere in Australia, drawing collectors and critics alike. As a boutique operation, Pierro maintains tight production volumes that reinforce the exclusivity and collectability of its wines.

  • Recognised as a benchmark producer for Margaret River Chardonnay
  • Semillon Sauvignon Blanc innovation shaped Margaret River's signature white blend style
  • Boutique production volumes support strong collector demand
  • Combines medical-scientific precision with artisan winemaking philosophy
Flavor Profile

Pierro Chardonnay is known for its elegance, precision, and complexity, showing stone fruit, citrus, and restrained oak with fine acidity. Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends deliver fresh herb, citrus, and textural weight. Bordeaux-style reds show structure, dark fruit, and cellar-worthy depth.

Food Pairings
Grilled lobster or crayfish with the ChardonnayPan-seared barramundi with lemon butterRoast chicken with the Semillon Sauvignon BlancAged hard cheeses with the Cabernet blendsSlow-braised lamb shoulder with the red winesMushroom risotto with the Chardonnay
Wines to Try
  • Pierro LTC Semillon Sauvignon Blanc$30-45
    The wine that started the Semillon Sauvignon Blanc tradition in Australia; benchmark Margaret River white blend.Find →
  • Pierro Chardonnay$80-110
    Cult-status Margaret River Chardonnay consistently rated among Australia's finest white wines.Find →
  • Pierro Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot$60-85
    Bordeaux-style red with meticulous berry-level sorting; structured and cellar-worthy from Wilyabrup.Find →
How to Say It
Pierropee-EH-ro
WilyabrupWIL-yah-brup
📝Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Founded 1979 by Dr. Michael Peterkin, trained at Roseworthy Agricultural College; family-owned boutique winery
  • Located in Wilyabrup subregion, Margaret River; north-facing aspect on south bank of Willyabrup Brook
  • Pioneered Australia's first Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend and the first high-density vineyard planting in Margaret River
  • Vine density: 4,000 to 5,500 vines per hectare; soils are laterite gravel and granite over pink clay and shattered rock
  • Chardonnay holds cult status as one of Australia's highest-rated white wines; approximately 20 wines produced across 9 varieties