pick your drop

Autumn is a time to waver between the red, white and rosé, thanks to the best of Central Victorian conditions; warm days, cool evenings, and still plenty of holiday time to enjoy with friends and family at home, or at a vineyard near you. LAUREN MITCHELL writes.

MUNARI WINES - NEXT CHAPTER 2021 SANGIOVESE

This wine is an exciting release for the Munari family at Ladys Pass, near Heathcote, for it’s the first vintage after four years of work since the vineyard grafted its Merlot and Malbec blocks to Sangiovese. We’re told: “This wine is bright and aromatic and especially fruit-driven. It has aromas of apple, blackcurrant and strawberries. It is medium-bodied, with a lovely fine, elegant tannin structure.”

We’re keeping our bottle capped for just a little while longer while we wait for the cool autumn weather and the promise of roast pork.

SANDHURST RIDGE WINERY - 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Back in 2017, the Greblo brothers of Sandhurst Ridge in Marong recommended cellaring their Cab Sav for around five years. Well, hello 2023, and the (almost) optimal time for a glass of this big, bold wine.

Rich, red and intense, it’s one to share over robust conversation in the kitchen with fellow deep and questioning souls. Some dark ‘90s grunge on Spotify didn’t go astray while sacrilegiously splashing just a little into the bolognaise.

VIN DU VAN ESTATE - 2021 SHIRAZ

Linger awhile in Mandurang at the cellar door and bistro of Vin Du Van Estate. Here you’ll find a classy, slightly French-provincial dining room overlooking the vineyard, and a perfect place to show off the region to visitors this Easter. Enjoy lunch then take home a bottle of the 2021 Shiraz, which is a little lighter than you may expect from a Bendigo red. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Purple Rain’ for its plum hue when held to the light, the wine went into brand new French Oak barrels, and is developing that lovely soft, peppery finish that Bendigo Shiraz is known for.

TURNERS CROSSING - 2019 VIOGNIER

The good folk at Turners Crossing tell us that Viognier is a relatively unknown grape variety, so even more surprising to find it growing at Serpentine, on the banks of the beautiful Loddon River.

Time under the Serp summer sun, then in a range of vats and oak barrels, has produced a lively wine of poise and length, with the sweet aromas of stone fruits. In Strathdale, we enjoyed it over two weekday meals; a Thai pork salad with vermicelli noodles and then a rich chicken stroganoff with pasta. The light and zesty wine beautifully cut through the rich flavours. It’s now well known in our house.

MANDURANG VALLEY WINES - 2022 GRENACHE BRUT ROSÉ

Toast to the wilting days of warmth with this gorgeous wine from our friends, the Vine family in Mandurang. The fun and fruity, pink-toned wine promises hints of rosewater and Turkish delight on the nose and crisp acidity on the palate. It’s easy on the eye, and even easier to drink, being bright and slightly sweet, with a refreshingly dry finish. Definitely one to consider for pairing with the Easter charcuterie board.