Three Australian sparkling wines for the festive season
It's time to stock up on fizz for summer and the festive season – when more bubbles go down throats than any other time. Why not make it an all-Australian party, as there is fine fizz at all price levels today. The Daosa is a single-vineyard sparkling chardonnay grown in South Australia's high-altitude Piccadilly Valley, produced by Xavier Bizot, a member of the Bollinger family, and his Aussie wife Lucy. Sapling Yard is a micro-boutique label with its cellar door in Bungendore and a small vineyard at Braidwood. This wine is made from pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier grown in the Canberra District. And Josef Chromy is a leading Tasmanian winery based at Relbia, near Launceston. Roaring Beach is exclusive to Coles Liquor outlets.
Josef Chromy Roaring Beach Sparkling Cuvee NV, Tasmania, $29-$30
Score 89
The colour is light straw and there are nutty and nougat-like aromas, pleasantly pinot-like. It's youthful but more than simplistic fruit. There's a touch of richness on the mid-palate and the finish is dry and appetising, with good length and delicious balance. Cork; 12.5 per cent alcohol.
Ageing Drink now.
Stockists Liquorland stores
Sapling Yard Entrechat Vintage 2019, Canberra District, $38
Score 92
The copper-tinged colour reflects the red grapes in the mix, and the bouquet has highly appealing smoky, strawberry aromas, both fresh and detailed, the palate creamy, textured and displaying lovely balance and charm. Well-judged sweetness and a long and harmonious aftertaste. Crown seal; 12.5 per cent alcohol.
Ageing Best now to four years.
Stockist saplingyard.com.au
Terre a Terre Daosa Blanc de Blancs 2017, Adelaide Hills, $90
Score 95
The light colour and steely, restrained aromas of straw, lemon and white flowers are fresh and perfumed, while the taste is very intense and focused, fine and taut as a bow. A refreshing, dry balance and an impressive and appetising wine. Diam; 13.2 per cent alcohol.
Ageing Drink now to six years.
Stockists Armadale Cellars (Vic); Le Pont Wine Store (NSW)
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