Award-winning winery Marnong Estate has released its latest range of premium reds, just in time for the winter months. The new Marnong Estate wines include a 2024 Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Pinot Noir in addition to a 2023 Shiraz from the Single Vineyard range, as well as a 2024 Pinot Noir from the Estate range.
Nestled within one of Victoria’s oldest wine districts, Marnong Estate’s unique location in the Sunbury region is renowned for producing exceptional cool climate styles. Marnong Estate boasts a three-tier premium wine range – from the approachable Estate range to the super premium Single Vineyard collection and the luxurious Reserve options, with a drop to suit every palate and price point.
Marnong Estate Winemaker Alex Beckett shares his insights on what makes the latest vintage outstanding. “At Marnong Estate, our home in the Sunbury district gives our wines a distinctive profile that sets them apart from other wine regions across Australia. The Marnong Estate vineyards sit around 300 metres above sea level where Antarctic influences deliver cooling winds across the soils. Our wines are carefully crafted to capture the essence of the cool climate terroir through a balance of traditional and innovative techniques.”
These sophisticated reds from Marnong Estate are a wine-lover’s winter dream – ideal companions for the season’s most comforting cuisine, from slow-cooked hearty stews to succulent roast chicken with all the traditional accompaniments, or perfect for sipping in front of an open fire.
The Wine Lineup
2024 Single Vineyard Sangiovese
- Tasting Notes: This Sangiovese immediately charms with its vibrant ruby hue and a nose brimming with bright red cherries, plum, and a hint of dried herbs. On the palate, it’s lively and fresh, with a lovely acidity that dances across the tongue. Fine tannins provide structure without being aggressive, leading to a clean, slightly savoury finish with lingering fruit notes.
- Highlights: Its refreshing acidity and bright fruit profile make it incredibly food-friendly and a delightful aperitivo. The classic Sangiovese character shines through beautifully.
- Tasting Notes: This Shiraz displays a deeper crimson colour, hinting at its richer profile. The nose offers a compelling mix of dark berries – think blackberry and plum – alongside subtle notes of spice like black pepper and a touch of mocha. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with soft, well-integrated tannins and a smooth texture. The finish is long and satisfying, echoing the dark fruit and spice.
- Highlights: The balance between fruit intensity and elegant spice makes this a versatile Shiraz that will appeal to many palates. Its smooth tannins ensure it’s enjoyable now but also has the structure to age gracefully.
2024 Single Vineyard Montepulciano
- Tasting Notes: This Montepulciano shows a deep, vibrant purple. The aromas are generous, featuring dark cherry, blackberry, and a distinctive earthy undertone with a hint of liquorice. On the palate, it’s juicy and round, with soft tannins and a pleasant savoury complexity. The finish is medium-bodied and leaves a lingering impression of dark fruit and spice.
- Highlights: The Montepulciano offers a unique and approachable flavour profile, distinct from the other reds. Its soft tannins and juicy fruit make it incredibly easy to drink and pair with food.
2024 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Tasting Notes: This Pinot Noir exhibits a delicate ruby colour. The nose is fragrant and inviting, showcasing aromas of red berries like raspberry and strawberry, along with subtle hints of forest floor and a touch of spice. The palate is light to medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a vibrant acidity that provides lift. The finish is elegant and lingering, with a beautiful interplay of fruit and earthy notes.
- Highlights: This Pinot Noir exemplifies elegance and finesse. Its delicate fruit and smooth texture make it a sophisticated and enjoyable wine on its own or with food.
- Tasting Notes: This Estate Pinot Noir presents a lighter ruby hue. The aromas are fresh and bright, with notes of cherry and cranberry leading the way, accompanied by a subtle hint of spice. On the palate, it’s light-bodied and refreshing, with soft tannins and a clean, crisp finish. It’s an approachable and easy-drinking Pinot Noir.
- Highlights: Offering excellent value, this Pinot Noir is a perfect everyday wine that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Its bright fruit and light body make it incredibly versatile.
To complement the diverse flavour profiles of these Marnong Estate wines, I’ve chosen a Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Roasted Vegetables. This dish is vibrant, flavourful, and perfect for sharing with friends. The combination of roasted vegetables offers a touch of sweetness and earthiness that will harmonise with the fruit and savoury notes in the reds, while the chicken provides a satisfying protein element.
Recipe: Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Servings: 6-8 guests
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
1.5 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breasts cut in half)
2 red onions, cut into wedges
2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), deseeded and chopped into large pieces
2 zucchini, cut into thick rounds
2 eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 punnet cherry tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the red onions, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in a baking dish: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
Season the chicken: In the same bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. - Add chicken to the dish: Arrange the chicken pieces over the vegetables in the baking dish.
- Bake: Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken and vegetables rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Why does this pairing work?
- The bright acidity and red fruit notes of the Sangiovese will cut through the richness of the chicken and complement the sweetness of the roasted vegetables, especially the tomatoes and peppers.
- The darker fruit and subtle spice of the Shiraz will pair beautifully with the slightly caramelized vegetables and the savoury flavour of the chicken.
- The earthy undertones and juicy dark fruit of the Montepulciano will complement the roasted eggplant and zucchini, while its soft tannins won’t overpower the chicken.
- Single Vineyard Pinot Noir: The delicate red fruit and earthy notes of this Pinot Noir will enhance the subtle flavours of the chicken and the sweetness of the vegetables without being overwhelmed.
- Estate Pinot Noir: Its bright fruit and lighter body make it a versatile accompaniment, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the roasted elements of the dish.
Marnong Estate has a rich history bridging Australia’s First Nations heritage, European settlement, and agricultural development while also championing sustainability. In addition to producing fine wines, the property is a luxury wine and dining destination with accommodation to match, and is located just 35 minutes outside of Melbourne CBD.
Visitors are invited to enjoy spectacular panoramas of Marnong Estate’s farm, as well as partake in distinctive tasting experiences at the cellar door, dine in at one of two Italian restaurants, La Vètta, and Cucina 3064, or take in a coffee with a view at Caffè Vista.
For Melbournians or those lucky enough to be visiting Victoria over winter, Marnong Estate is hosting a curated wine and chocolate tasting journey at its cellar door by reservation only. The experience offers guests the ability to explore luxurious wine pairings, meticulously composed by winemaker Alex Beckett.
Marnong Estate
2335 Mickleham Rd, Mickleham VIC 3064, Australia
T: +61 3 9216 3300 | e: enquiry@marnongestate.com
