Wines Beechworth Brokenwood - Indigo Vineyard Beechworth Chardonnay - 2024

Viniou Reviews

The 2024 Brokenwood Indigo Vineyard Beechworth Chardonnay is a refined expression of Australian cool-climate winemaking. Crafted in the renowned Beechworth appellation of Victoria, this wine is made exclusively from Chardonnay, a grape well-suited to the region’s distinctive terroir. The 2024 vintage benefited from moderate temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop nuanced aromas, while retaining a lively natural acidity. Typically, the vinification process for this style involves gentle pressing, fermentation in French oak barrels (with a portion potentially undergoing malolactic fermentation), and subsequent maturation on lees to enhance complexity and texture. The result is a Chardonnay that balances purity of fruit with subtle oak influence, offering aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and a hint of hazelnut, supported by a taut mineral backbone.

Beechworth, nestled in Victoria’s high country, is celebrated for its distinctive microclimate. The region’s cool nights and warm days, coupled with granitic soils, contribute significantly to the elegance and finesse seen in its Chardonnays. Historically, Beechworth has transitioned from a gold mining hub to one of Australia’s most promising boutique wine regions, attracting winemakers who champion quality and terroir expression. This area’s elevation and well-draining soils favour slow maturation, producing wines with vibrancy and pronounced character.

For food pairing, the balance and vibrancy of this Chardonnay make it a versatile companion at the table. Classic pairings include lightly seared scallops with a lemon butter sauce, roast corn-fed chicken, or grilled Murray cod, a local delicacy. For a regional twist, consider Victorian goat’s cheese or crayfish, where the wine’s acidity and subtle oak complement rich, savoury flavours beautifully.

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and balance, serve this Chardonnay chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10-12°C. Decanting for twenty minutes can help open up the bouquet, especially in its youth. This wine can be enjoyed now for its freshness or cellared for a few years to gain additional depth and subtlety.