Matilda Bay have released the first beer in their Farm to Table series – the Cherry Saison made with Victorian sour morello cherries which arrives in time to pop next to the glazed ham this Christmas.
Matilda Bay’s head brewer Harry Sexton, who is also an award-winning winemaker, said it’s been brewed to “share and savour”.
“Best consumed from a champagne flute, it’s the kind of drink that you could sub in for a bottle of rosé, prosecco, even cider. And with a 6.7% ABV, it’s lower in alcohol than a bottle of wine and on trend with the lower alcohol movement that’s gaining momentum,” he said
Hand labelled and waxed, the saison is made using local to Matilda Bay Yarra Valley fruit, which will be a constant theme in the Farm to Table series where the brewery will source local ingredients to “brew something unique and special”.
Harry added: “It’s been fantastic to work with local producers here in the Yarra Valley, we love being part of such a great community. It’s something that we’ll be doing more and more of in 2023, with plans to incorporate locally grown produce into our recipes to showcase the region. We’re blessed with having this beautiful and pristine region, so close to Melbourne, and on our doorstep”.
Matilda Bay said the cherries “give a bright and vibrant nose, with underlying spiced notes of Saison. Palate starts with ripe cherry fruit, followed by a natural silkiness from the yeast, and kept bright with a characteristic cherry tartness. Characteristics will develop with age”.
It’s available at Matilda Bay’s Yarra Valley Brewery, and at select First Choice, Vintage Cellars and Liquorland stores nationwide.