sparkling season
Nothing says "holidays" like a bottle of bubbles. Here are 12 perfect for celebrating with.
1 2017 HOWARD PARK GRAND JETÉ
Great Southern, WA
Aromas of lemon zest, just-ripe strawberry and blossoms, layered atop sea spray and brioche. The palate displays a bright acidity that complements the wine’s elegant shape and vivacious mousse.
What makes this sparkling perfect for celebrating the festive season?
It's refreshingly crisp and sophisticated with generous depth of flavour and vibrant acidity. Perfect on its own or with freshly shucked Albany rock oysters or Abrolhos Island scallops with a finger lime dressing.
Tell us about the winemaking process?
The fruit is hand-harvested, whole bunch pressed, and then fermented in older French oak and stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation of base wines and addition of reserve wine at dosage enhances complexity. Disgorged in January 2022 after 54 months on lees. $54, howardparkwines.com.au @howardparkwines
2 2021 CONTENTIOUS CHARACTER GIVE IT A BURL SHIRL SPARKLING CHARDONNAY
Central Ranges, Cowra NSW
Green apple with a crunchy texture and some hints of stonefruit, this lively and fresh sparkling is sure to please.
What makes this sparkling perfect for celebrating the festive season?
This is a bright and vibrant sparkling with plenty of flavour and fresh acidity. It pairs well with succulent roast pork, a seafood platter, or just as a refreshing drink on a hot day.
Tell us about the winemaking process?
Made via the charmat method, the chardonnay grapes were picked early while still exhibiting green apple flavours. They lift the wine and provide a crunchy moreish texture, supported by clean, fresh acidity giving it length. $35, contentiouscharacter.com.au @contentiouscharacter
3 2017 LOWESTOFT ROSÉ
Tasmania
Fresh ocean spray and cherry blossom aromatics flow onto the palate with hints of toasted hazelnut, vanilla pod and concentrated strawberry. Poised acidity is balanced by a rich mouthfeel. Freshness and length.
What makes this sparkling perfect for celebrating the festive season?
A richly compelling sparkling that adds luxury to any occasion. Forty-four months on lees before release, it exudes a delightful creamy texture and richness. It can be enjoyed without food but makes a divine pairing with Christmas canapés.
Tell us about the winemaking process?
100 per cent pinot noir, hand-picked and whole bunch pressed. The juice was fermented cool in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and purity. A small portion of pinot noir wine was included in the liqueur d’expedition, adding richness and complexity. $85, lowestoft.wine @lowestoft.tasmania
4 2011 PIRIE L ATE DISGORGED
Tasmania
Made from a batch of the best sparkling wine of 2011 left in our cellars for long term lees ageing. Bright golden in colour, freshly baked sourdough, lemon curd freshness. Powerful and perfectly balanced.
What makes this sparkling perfect for celebrating the festive season?
Only produced in the best years, this concentrated and classically structured wine is designed to offer savoury complexity and elegance, with richness of texture. Our first 10-year wine is the ultimate indulgence over the festive season and is perfect with a range of canapés.
Tell us about the winemaking process?
Made in the traditional method with 100 per cent of the wine undergoing malolactic fermentation, and a long, slow secondary fermentation in the bottle. The wine aged for 10 years on lees in the bottle before being disgorged in 2022. $145 gift-boxed, tamarridge.com.au @pirietasmania
5 NV STRELLEY FARM ESTATE PINOT NOIR CHARDONNAY
Tasmania
Aromas of fresh granny smith apple, citrus and sea spray. This refreshing sparkling bursts with crisp citrus flavours and a long creamy finish.
What makes this sparkling perfect for celebrating the festive season?
The festive season is about spending time with loved ones, reminiscing over fun times shared. The Strelley Farm NV encapsulates those celebratory moments, and is a refreshing, appealing sparkling to toast with over the festive season. Pairs beautifully with creamy Tasmanian oysters with a lemon spritz.
Tell us about the winemaking process?
Made from a blend of Tasmanian pinot noir and chardonnay, it was carefully fermented using the charmat method to produce a fresh, appealing and accessible sparkling wine. $30, strelleyfarm.wine @strelleyfarmestate
6 NV THALIA RESERVE CUVÉE
Tasmania
Complex aromatics display French pâtisserie delights and ripe citrus. Fresh bread dough characters, toasted almond and subtle ginger spice. Stone fruit on the palate is embraced by balanced acidity.
What makes this sparkling perfect for celebrating the festive season?
Thalia was a goddess of comedy, dance and idyllic poetry, and was portrayed with a smiling mask and crown of ivy. Always one to incite laughter and joy, Thalia is the inspiration for this exceptional sparkling which brings effervescent joy to any occasion.
Tell us about the winemaking process?
Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and cool fermented in stainless steel. A portion of the juice was fermented in French oak to increase richness and texture. $65, thalia.wine @thalia.tasmania