Flavours of autumn

Magnificent local vintages to help you transition into the autumn season.

By Ashley Raeburn - Restaurant Manager - Alium Dining Photography by Leon Schoots

ELLIS WINES, ‘SIGNATURE LABEL’ ROSE 2020 - HEATHCOTE

Ellis Wines is definitely one of the success stories from the Heathcote wine region in recent times. With a strong focus on Shiraz, the team also produce fantastic Cabernet, Merlot and Viognier. The winery is going from strength to strength in terms of releasing exceptional quality wines that continue to bring home a swag of awards. These include being named one of the 10 Dark Horse Wineries of 2021, a Five Star Winery Rating and three wines all rated 92 or above in the renowned James Halliday Wine Companion. The awards keep coming with this current Rose receiving 5 Stars/ Gold Medal from Winestate Magazine. Produced predominantly from Shiraz with small amounts of Viognier adding richness and depth to the wine, it pours a lovely salmon pink colour in the glass. Aromas of freshly picked strawberries, red cherries and rose petals provide a delicious introduction with the palate fresh and lively with summer red berry flavours and a touch of apricot from the Viognier. Gentle acidity gives beautiful balance to the natural fruit sweetness and helps delivers a long lasting finish. Try with a mix of quality charcuterie or grilled zucchini with goats cheese and pomegranate. MANDURANG VALLEY, RIESLING 2020 - BENDIGO

This boutique winery seems to be getting better with every vintage. Family owned and operated since the first vines were planted in the mid 1970’s, The Vine’s (yes that’s their surname!) now have three generations working together to produce exceptional wines from the Bendigo region. Hosting a particularly delightful cellar door and extremely impressive gardens. It is very easy to spend an afternoon sampling the ranges of wines with a gourmet cheese platter. Don’t forget to check out Pam’s regularly changing art exhibitions as well. As one of the few Riesling producers in Central Victoria, Mandurang Valley consistently produce a delicious wine that punches well above it’s price point. Light golden straw in colour, the initial nose delivers aromas of freshly grated lemon and lime zest leading into a gentle but lively palate that will please the most discerning Riesling drinker. Notes of honeysuckle, orange blossom and fresh autumn fruit (apples and pears) are balanced with just the right amount of acidity providing excellent depth to the finish. Dishes with a subtle hint of spice would work well as would freshly cooked scallops. The wine also displays the potential to age quite well over the next 5 to 7 years.

SANDHURST RIDGE, FRINGE SHIRAZ 2013 -W BENDIGO

Having been recently named as a Five Star Winery as well as one of only 10 who were awarded the Dark Horse Winery of the Year by the esteemed James Halliday. These accolades provide true recognition to one of Bendigo’s finest vineyards who have been producing award winning wines for over 25 years. Owned and operated by the Greblo family, their history and knowledge of winemaking and agriculture certainly make for some outstanding wines. A visit to the cellar door can see you sampling favourites such as Shiraz, Cabernet Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc along with the lesser known Italian varietal Nebbiolo. Sandhurst Ridge also have a extensive selection of excellent back vintage wines including this 2013 Shiraz. With the top quality fruit sourced from nearby to Sandhurst Ridge Estate, this is definitely a steal for those who like their Shiraz with some years under the belt. A distinctive regional nose of ripe dark fruit comes to the fore immediately with hints of white pepper leading to a palate packed full of dark fruit – plums, black cherries and blackberries. Tannins have softened but still evident providing excellent length to this rich and seductive wine. An excellent accompaniment to Beef Wellington, or just a quiet glass on a cool Easter night with good chocolate.