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Vineyards and Wineries in the Pyrenees

The Pyrenees are renowned for their great reds, the area around Ballaraat being better known for sparkling wines and whites.

We have so far visited Warrenmang Vineyard and Resort. We had a warm welcome from the friendly staff and were treated to enjoyable wine tasting session at the cellar door. Out of our sampling, we found the oaked Chardonnay on offer to be quite strong and tangy, whereas the un-oaked chardonnay proved to be a refreshing and crisp delight! The Warrenmang Cabernet Sauvignon was a bargain at $33 as it rivalled the “****” fine wine on offer at $80 -Black Puma. Black Puma is a strong and tangy Shiraz that may well be on offer in the UK. It is only available in 6 bottle cases -however I was pleased with the more velvety Warrenmang Cabernet Sauvignon.

Down the road, just past Moonamble, we chanced upon Redbank Winery. In the guide to the Pyrenees, this vineyard was rightly described as rustic, though the facilities there are modern. After a tasting and a tour of the Chesnut Cottage, we immediately resolved to stay a further two nights -as the $120 per couple per night price-tag compared favourably with the busier Warrenmeng Resort which came to $180 per couple per night for their cheapest deal. The cottage was also made out of mudbricks made on the estate, and was constructed by the host family -a novel housing opportunity not to be missed!
The Vineyard is run by Sally -after whom many of the wines are named. Sally’s Paddock is their flagship wine and is excellent, although unfortunately not available for export. The 2005 Pinot Noir is exceptionally fruity, but my favourite was the smooth, warm Cabernet (also 2004). Rob’s savoury tastes favoured the sharper Cabernet Franc (2005).

Owing to Victoria’s drought, the grape harvest has been poor this year (we are advised by our host). However, by a meteorological stroke of luck, the honey yield has been tremendous. Alf’s friend Steve brought several full hives up to the farm in December, which I helped to extract while we were at Upper Beaconsfield. I found out that these hives had been situated at Redbank because of the good honey year up here.

Redbank Winery also serves food during the day including Sally’s homemade cakes.

Warrenmang Resort: http://www.bazzani.com.au/warrenmang/frame.htm

Redbank Winery, 1 Sally’s Lane
Redbank Victoria 3478
Phone: (03) 54 677 255
Fax: (03) 54 677 248

Email: info@sallyspaddock.com.au

Internet: www.sallyspaddock.com.au