What pairs better with Australia’s long, warm summers other than a glass of crisp, quality sparkling wine? When it comes to sparkling, we don’t need to be celebrating to enjoy a good drop, and now we know the very best Australian Sparkling wines that we need to get our hands on, with the top three recently crowned in the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships. So, get your glasses ready, because these are the drops you want to have in your fridge for the next time that sparkling craving strikes.
Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships ‘Best in Class’ Australia
These are ‘Best in Class’ award winners for Australian entries at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships. A full list of Australian medal winners can be found here.
- Best in Class Australian Brut Vintage: Bream Creek Vineyard 2016 Cuvée Traditionelle
- Best in Class Australian Blanc de Blanc: Swift 2011 Blanc de Blancs
- Best in Class Australian Brut Nature: House of Arras 2006 EJ Carr Late Disgorged Magnum
Now let’s check out our breakdown of the sparkling wines above.
Best in Class Australian Brut Vintage: Bream Creek Vineyard 2016 Cuvée Traditionelle
When it comes to Brut Vintage, this GOLD medal-winning Tasmanian sparkling impresses on all fronts. The Bream Creek Vineyard 2016 Cuvée Traditionelle has been produced in the traditional Champenoise method from 30 per cent Pinot Noir and 70 per cent Chardonnay grapes and aged for over five years on lees. Experts suggest a pure, creamy texture from the blend of red and white fruits, with a cool acidity typical of Tasmanian sparkling. In short, it sounds like a glass of this sparkling is the answer to a sunny afternoon, cheese board close by and the smell of the ocean lingering in the air.
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Alcohol percentage: 12.5%
Grape blend: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir (White, 5g RS)
Price: from $36.99 AUD.
Buy it here (Wine Sellers) Buy it here (Craft Wine Store) Buy it here (Wine Square)
Best Australian Sparkling Wine: Swift 2011 Blanc de Blancs
Also winning ‘Best in Class Australian Blanc de Blanc’ family-owned Printhie Wines Swift 2011 Blanc de Blancs is comprised of barrel-fermented chardonnay and a dollop of brandy spirit, exerting toasty, creamy tasting notes, complemented by fruity accents of green apples, orange blossom and nashi pear. Having spent 120 months on lees before release, you can expect a perfect balance of acidity with bready undertones. The end result is a rich, delicious sparkling wine that makes a suitable drop for any occasion or time of year.
Location: Orange, New South Wales
Alcohol percentage: 12%
Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay (White, 5g RS)
Price: from $120 AUD.
Related: The World’s Best Champagne Has Just Been Crowned.
Best in Class Australian Brut Nature: House of Arras 2006 EJ Carr Late Disgorged Magnum
Winning best in class for Australia Brut Nature, it’s fair to say that we expect nothing less from Australia’s most awarded sparkling wine brand, House of Arras. A personal favourite of ours, this sparkling wine house has been crafting exceptional Australian sparkling wine since 1995, and their 2006 EJ Carr Late Disgorged Magnum is an exceptional vintage. Crafted from cool climate vineyards in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley and East Coast, the experience starts with a strong, golden colour. The wine was aged on lees in tirage for 14 years, developing an intense, soft complexity, with aromas of roasted chestnuts and white stone fruit of apple and pear, balanced with a rich, full palate of brioche and honey.
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Alcohol percentage: 13.2%
Grape blend: 67% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir (White, 2g RS)
Price: from $180 AUD.
Buy it here (Dan Murphys) Buy it here (My Cellars) Buy it here (Qantas)
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