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Andrew Pirie is one of Australia’s most respected winemakers and has made significant contributions towards the current success of the Australian wine industry. Australia’s first PhD in Viticulture and founder of Pipers Brook, Dr Pirie launched Tasmania onto the world wine scene with a bang when his inaugural 1994 Ninth Island Chardonnay took out the white wine trophy at the International Wine Challenge in London. His name still appears on the label of the wine dubbed by Matthew Jukes and others, as ‘the greatest sparkling wine made outside of Champagne!’ Vintage Pirie 1996.

Dr Pirie has received national acclaim for his contributions to the Australian wine industry. In 2001 he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to the Tasmanian wine and tourism industries. In recognition of his expertise and flair for innovation he was given the rare honour of being nominated as a finalist in the QANTAS/Australian Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year Award in both 2002 and 2003.

Over the last 4 decades, Andrew Pirie has been the most influential figure in the Tasmanian wine industry, initiating and building some of Tasmania’s largest and most important vineyards and wineries including Pipers Brook Vineyard, Ninth Island which he co-founded with his brother David in 1974 and Pirie sparkling in 1999.

Andrew Pirie continues to be involved in the Tasmanian industry and apart from his hands-on role at Apogee, provides brand support for the Pirie range, consults on industry development, conducts climate research and is writing a book on wine terroir.

“I remain passionate about the cool climate wine potential of Tasmania. It is exciting to have been involved in the Tasmanian industry from the early days of its modern rebirth to its current success.”

Tyson Stelzer Wine Business Review monthly – 93/100 – ‘Bright red fruits are underlined by Chinese five spice. Finely structured, supple tannins meld seamlessly with bright acidity and juicy fruit for immediate appeal and medium-term potential.’

Huon Hooke – The Real Review – 93 Points – April 2020

The Wine Pilot – Angus Hughson – July 2020 – 93 Points

‘A haunting, pretty and fine Pinot style, as you’d expect with Pipers River, the coolest serious wine growing region in Tasmania, which is why it has become home to some of the country’s best sparkling wines.

The colour is quite light but there is plenty of concentration to it – raspberry and floral fruits with delicate spice. It is then light-bodied, restrained and understated, but again has a good core of fruit concentration that drives a long, crisp and silky finish…’