The North East of Victoria is home to some of Australia’s most historic and lauded wine regions. The Great Dividing Range provides the dominant climatic and geological feature which results in wines of intensity and character. Beechworth is a hidden gem for wine lovers!  The combination of its cool climate and high-quality production makes it a standout region despite its small size. Sparkling wine production is a feature of the neighbouring Alpine Valleys GI (Geographical Indicator).

Wiremu, Director of Dearth of a Salesman wine agency and I will expose some of the boutique wineries and match them with the wines from Matthieu Vallée, winemaker and owner of the leading domaine in the Loire Valley; Château Yvonne.

Yvonne and Jean-François Lamunière decided to recreate the abandoned vineyard with the help of Françoise Foucault ( Clos Rougeard ). In 2007, Mathieu Vallée took over and decided to keep the name Château Yvonne, in homage of the incredible work done by the previous owners. Today, the domaine is one of the best producers in Saumur. The estate is composed of 3 hectares of Chenin Blanc and 8 hectares of Cabernet Franc, all of which have been farmed organically since 1997.

Canapés

Saint Jacques, Sabayon au Citron

Scallop, Lemon Emulsion

Blinis au Saumon

Salmon Gravlax Blinis

2017 Anderson & Marsh ‘Catani’ Blanc de Blancs  Alpine Valleys

Entrée

Moules Marinière

Mussels With White Wine

2022 Chateau Yvonne Saumur Blanc

2022 Sentio Single Vineyard Beechworth Chardonnay Beechworth

Plat Principal

Agneau à la Purée de Pois et Jus de Thym

Lamb Backstrap with Pea Puree, Thyme Jus

2020 Chateau Yvonne Saumur Champigny Le Beaumeray

2021 Granjoux Shiraz Beechworth

Assiette Fromage

Selection of French Cheese

2022 Chateau Yvonne Saumur Champigny La Folie