Victoria’s Pyrenees wine region is a veritable hidden gem. Originally known for its plentiful gold, which was thoroughly mined during Victoria’s Gold Rush, the region is also home to a host of vineyards and wineries nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range.
One of the largest producers in the region is Blue Pyrenees Estate, founded by France’s Remy Martin in 1963. Today, the proprietors are the Richmond-Smith family, who have been agricultural pioneers since 1839. “Victoria’s Pyrenees seems to us a well-kept secret, understood only by those in the know or who take the trouble to do their homework,” says chairman Roger Richmond-Smith. “It’s very different from the Barossa, very different from the Yarra Valley, very similar to the northern Rhône, yet with subtle qualities all its own.”
Led by general manager Duncan MacDonald and senior winemakers John Harris and Eden Walpole, the Blue Pyrenees team take advantage of the region’s alluvial soils and microclimates to produce medium-bodied reds, fragrant whites and méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines.
Blue Pyrenees' winemaking is a story of small differences. Each individual block is different, and the fruit is treated with varied approaches, accordingly. The majority of the estate plantings are decades-old shiraz and cabernet, but the team are constantly experimenting with new varieties, new blends and new ways to deliver sustainability and energy efficiency.
“The wines tell the story,” says Roger. “Our Midnight Cuvée adds sparkle to any celebration, not only at the racecourse. Our reds warm the cockles of any cynical heart. And our whites freshen up any social occasion. To taste them is to understand what drives the team.”
In addition to the Blue Pyrenees cellar door in Avoca, or the new Vinesmith cellar door at 1 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, the best place to taste their wines is at the Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup. Hosted by the Avoca Shire Turf Club, the Avoca Cup is the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy thoroughbred racing, great food and great local wines.
The Avoca Cup has a long history, having been founded in 1857 and continuing annually until the present day, only pausing during World War II. “The Avoca Cup continues to grow, both as a prestigious racing event and a celebration of the region's rural heritage, local businesses, and community involvement,” says club manager Kate Kirkpatrick. “It not only showcases the vibrant country character but also draws thousands of visitors to the region, contributing to the local economy by promoting tourism, especially the region's wineries and agricultural offerings.”
Attendees at this year’s Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup, taking place on October 19, 2024, can expect an exciting blend of horse racing, local culture and entertainment. Highlights for this year include premium wine, regional food trucks, games for kids, and $3000 worth of prizes and vouchers on offer for winners of fashions on the field!
Check out the event details below. Or, if you can’t make it to event, you can get a taste for Blue Pyrenees Estate with this sample of wines to try.
Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup 2024 event details:
Date: Saturday October 19, 2024
Time: 11am onwards
Ticket prices: General Admittance from $20*, VIP Winning Post Lunch from $195, umbrella and marquee packages from $300.
*Blue Pyrenees Estate is offering Halliday readers an exclusive 50% discount on GA tickets to this year's Avoca Cup. Use code 'BPE2024' for $10 GA tickets. Offer will expire on October 10, 2024.
Blue Pyrenees Estate wines to try:
2022 Blue Pyrenees Estate Sparkling Rosé
Pale salmon with a fine, persistent bead with 18 months' lees contact. Strawberry, brioche, almond, nougat, and quince integrate with floral and citrus notes on the nose. On the palate, crisp and fresh acidity surrounds the strawberry and brioche characters with a fine bead and mousse. This is a complex wine which has balance and finesse, highlighted by creaminess and persistence.
Best enjoyed: Serve well-chilled with a wide range of trackside and picnic snacks such as smoked salmon blini topped with caviar, goats cheese, and sushi and sashimi.
H. Why is this wine perfect for a spring racing event?
Blue Pyrenees Estate. Sparkling rosé complements the glamorous attire and the chic and social atmosphere of the day.
RRP $37 | Drink to 2029 | Shop this wine
2023 Blue Pyrenees Estate White Field Blend
Straw green colour with floral aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine and fruit notes of pear, lime and guava. Fresh pear, green fig and apricot fruit flavours are combined with a hint of spice on the palate. The creamy mid-palate, with unusually rich fleshy texture for a dry Australian white wine, is complemented with natural minerality.
Best enjoyed: A fuller-bodied white wine, this is best served at 10–13°C with soft cheeses or grilled seafood.
H. Why is this wine perfect for a spring racing event?
Blue Pyrenees Estate. With refreshing acidity and great depth and texture, this white wine can be savoured all day long.
RRP $37 | Drink to 2029 | Shop this wine
2022 Blue Pyrenees Estate Midnight Cuvée
Brilliant pale straw with a very fine bead of persistent, gentle bubbles. The aroma is delicate and complex with characteristics of cracked yeast and freshly baked apple strudel and lime. Upon tasting there is a lovely fine mousse in the mouth with lemon sherbet and apple notes on the front palate, followed by a fresh creamy mid-palate, then a zippy acid and crisp finish. Plenty of length and beautifully balanced. A young and fresh, vibrant wine.
Best enjoyed: Serve well-chilled alongside light and fresh foods such as oysters, lobster and green leafy salad.
H. Why is this wine perfect for a spring racing event?
Blue Pyrenees Estate. With its bright and crisp acidity, the Midnight Cuvée is invigorating. refreshing and perfect for celebrating a win.
RRP $42 | Drink to 2029 | Shop this wine
For more, visit bluepyrenees.com.au.
