PIERRE'S SECOND HOME

BURGUNDIAN winemaker Pierre Naigeon, who has been making flying visits to Australia to make wines under the Clos Pierre label for Dan Murphy's, plans to spend up to six months of each year in Australia from 2010. Pierre, a fifth-generation French vigneron who is based in Gevrey-Chambertin, has worked in partnership with Dan Murphy's since 2000 and has visited for the past five vintages, crafting elegant chardonnays and pinots noir and also experimenting with shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, as well as making a reserve range of Clos Pierre wines. "My wife lived in Australia for four years and loves it over here, so it makes sense to split time between the two countries," he says. "It is a very relaxed way of life in Australia and that suits me, so we'll probably set up base near Melbourne. That way I'll be able to do vintages in both countries with a lot less fuss - and I'll be able to spend more time with the growers in the vineyard - that's where the quality starts. With plans to add a viognier and gamay to his range and links with five local wineries, look for Pierre to make a major impact over the next couple of years.