Shining a light on Fleurieu Sparklings Life on the Fleurieu is always a cause for celebration and this issue we look at six exceptional Fleurieu sparkling wines which are made using different techniques. Be prepared to get very thirsty.
2018 Coriole Prosecco Prosecco is traditionally from the northern part of Italy in the Veneto/ Treviso area and has been made in those hills for over 150 years. The grape is also grown in Australia and this delicious Coriole version uses the Charmat method to over deliver in this refreshing, dry-style sparkling. It embodies enticing aromas of jasmine, apple, citrus, stone fruits and fresh ginger spice. A persistent mouthful of spiced apples, salty lemons, stone fruits and a splash of lime lead to a beautifully balanced, long, fresh finish. This is more-ish drinking and would suit a variety of people, occasions and foods. Local squid and seafood, antipasti, anchovies and fried eggplant dishes (think Little Rickshaw). Leconfield Cuvée Blanc Syn NV The classic sparkling grapes of chardonnay and pinot noir are blended in this lovely white bubble that goes to a lot of effort to overdeliver on style and value. Light honeysuckle, stone fruit, brioche and fresh yeast aromas are followed by a full-flavour mouthful of ripe nectarine, mandarin, spiced lemon, blanched almonds and fresh strawberries, pulled together by a creamy texture. The fresh acidity is well balanced by the dosage and the fruit. This is a wine that reflects great value and would be perfect for an aperitif but could definitely stand up to more full-flavoured foods such as roast chicken, sage, burnt butter and creamy sauces. Mosquito Hill NV Brut “Methode Classique” I first came across Mosquito Hill at the Hot 100 in 2013 and this wine continues to deliver an exceptional classic, bottle-fermented experience. Glyn and Elizabeth Jamieson established their Mt. Jagged Vineyard in 1996. With a particular love for Burgundy and Champagne, their wines reflect that experience. Chardonnay, pinot blanc and savagnin come together beautifully with an elegantly restrained nose of yellow plums, apple, citrus, light toast and fresh yeast notes. There is depth and richness on the palate from some older oak barrel fermentation along with time spent on the yeast lees.
This makes for a complex and balanced flavour profile of stone fruits, red delicious apple, lemon pith, lime and hazelnuts wrapped in a long finish. I will drink this alone or with company matched with scallops, soft cheeses, zucchini, feta and pea fritters and arancini balls. 2018 Kimbolton Sparkling Montepulciano Rosé From the newest cellar door in Langhorne Creek comes this bottle full of fun, flavour and fizz made by the Charmat method. The fruit for this beauty comes from the Case family’s Kimbolton vineyards where they have produced exceptional fruit since 1947. A bright, sheer ruby colour with ripe strawberries, red cherry and Campari notes, this wine is a glorious mouthful of raspberry, sour red cherry, mulberries, blood orange and has a beautifully dry amaro finish that would be just perfect for food. Sparkling rosé makes for a versatile food wine and I am tempted to not only drink this with Italian-style meats and fennel sausage but also turkey, roasted capsicum, tomato-based dishes, pecorino, parmesan and even dark chocolate desserts. 2017 Thomas Vineyard Estate “Shirazamataz” Sparkling Shiraz Sparkling shiraz is one of Australia’s unique, classic styles and this single vineyard example from McLaren Vale will tick a lot of boxes for those who love the style, as well as those new to it. It is made from 2017 reserve wine that has been aged in a mix of old and new barrels to add complexity and depth. Deep, dark ruby with notes of dark plum, black fruits, a touch of tar and aniseed layered with subtle leather and dark cacao nibs – this is a complex wine that builds in the mouth and fills it full of ripe blackberry fruits, dark, fleshy plums, dark chocolate and earthy flavours. It balances the richness of the fruit with the more structural elements and even though it’s a wicked, lush, velvety mouthful, it is definitely well balanced. A perfect match for braised dishes, charred meats, roasted vegetables and dark chocolate. 103
