The Spee'Wah Cuvee Chardonnay NV Brut

The Spee'Wah Cuvee Chardonnay NV Brut

Alcohol by volume 11.0%

The Murray Darling region straddles the states of New South Wales & Victoria and derives its name from the two rivers, The Murray and The Darling, that course through the region. The climate is warm to hot with long sunshine hours resulting in optimal ripening conditions. The soils are unique to the Murray River system and are technically known as calcerous. Cool, dry weather and minimal frost leading up to harvest has enabled high quality grapes to be grown. The dry winter did result in reduced yields from some vineyards planted on sandy soils but overall yields were as expected. The favourable environmental conditions along with continued improvement in vineyard and irrigation practices has produced sound, high quality fruit which can be seen in the stronger varietal flavour, finesse, balance and structure.

The grapes were night-harvested early in the season to ensure that the resultant wine exhibited fresh acidity and youthful flavours. The individual fruit parcels were then gently crushed, de-stemmed and air-bag pressed into a stainless steel tank. Only the free-run portion was used. Fermentation with traditional Methode Champenois yeast ensured the retention of its lifted aromatics.  Fermented in stainless steel for 7-10 days with a traditional Methode Champenois yeast. After fermentation, the wine was left in contact with less for 3 months to develop mouth feel and complexity. 30% of the base wine underwent malolactic fermentation to add complexity to the aroma and palate as well as fullness to palate.

Tasting notes: Colour:  Bright, mid-straw. Nose:  Stone fruit & grapefruit aromas. Palate:  The perfect aperitif. Classic biscuit and brioche characters balanced by fresh citrus flavours. With a fine persistent mousse. Serve at:  6°-10°C, don’t over-chill, enjoy now or with careful storage may enjoyed for several years.

Foods that complement this Cuvee Chardonnay are: Smoked Atlantic salmon, aged cheeses, freshly shucked oysters and especially lobster.