Kinloch Wines - Mansfield - Victoria's High Country

Wined and Dined!

Chef Michael Beltrame at the Mill Inn in Merrijig did it again!.  His second “meet the maker” wine dinner and this one to welcome our winter season was held on Friday 1 June.  The cold night certainly did not dampen the 70 guests who had booked in advance so as not to have missed such a wonderful foodie and winey occasion.  Michael, together with Susan and Malcolm from Kinloch Wines showcased a winter menu paired off with the best wines from the Kinloch estate.  The atmosphere was warm and inviting and guests ready to learn and savour everything put in front of them.  On arrival guests were treated to the 2008 Don Kinloch Sparkling white served with Michael’s Goat cheese and kalamata fried ravioli; Prawn fritto with fresh lime and caper mayonnaise; and Beetroot and vodka salmon gravlax.  The fire place was roaring and so were the guests with sounds of greetings, laughter and conversation.  Four courses followed with the selected wines to complement and were preceded by Michael’s explanations of “how” and “why” and Malcolm’s address on the characteristics of each wine and the art of appreciating wine.  Potato gnocchi tossed with smoked salmon, spinach and cream with the Kinloch 2009 Chardonnay was the teaser to what was to follow.  The Kinloch 2010 Pinot Meunier which is not your run of the mill (pardon the pun) wines and is now on the Mill Inn’s wine list is a delightful drop.  Full of savoury notes and cherry and spice went so well with Michael’s grilled cotechino sausage with baked polenta and radicchio salad. Michael was showing off his Italian heritage here with one of his Mum’s favourite dishes.  The Italian theme continued into the main dish which was an olive oil infused rump on a braised artichoke heart with white bean fritter and red wine reduction.  Now this was paired off with the new release Kinloch 2006 Mary Friend Bordeaux blend… a superb red wine made from blended grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, (named Mary Friend after Malcolm’s late grandmother). A great combination of tastes and the appreciation of what was presented to the guests were shown by their expressions of “oohs and aahhs”, their lively conversation and general enthusiasm for the enjoyment of delicious food and fine wine!  A winter pudding followed to end this vinous-food indulgence - a sticky fig almond pudding with burnt orange caramel sauce and orange wafer matched with the Kinloch 2010 Late-picked Riesling.  What a yummy ending!  Michael’s menu was expertly designed for a winter dining experience which complemented not only the selected wines but his Italian upbringing.  The Mill Inn’s next “meet the maker” wine dinner will be held in September showcasing wines from Gapstead.