- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
The Sparkling Dozen
Ascella Organic Wines
2013 Sparking Pure Vescence – RRP $28.90
Ascella is the largest certified organic vineyard in the Hunter Valley. All Ascella Organic Wines are made using only organic grapes from their secluded vineyard located in the pristine Broke Fordwich region, where they are committed to maintaining a balanced, chemical free and sustainable environment.
TASTING This wonderful Sparkling Rosé has a tropical fruit nose with a zesty and refreshing palate. Most often described as delicious and yummy! Celebrate the Holidays with a glass of Ascella Pure Vescence.
FOOD MATCH A celebration wine with appetizers or lovely with desserts, cakes and Christmas goodies.
CELLARING Enjoy now but can be cellared for up to 5 years.
Hungerford Hill Wines
NV Cardinal Sparkling Shiraz – RRP $36
Hungerford Hill has a proud reputation for producing distinguished wines packed with character and interest, with a focus on New South Wales wine regions. Sparkling red wines are a uniquely Australian style. Originally called Sparkling Burgundy, it was pioneered in the late 19th century by Australian winemakers. The inclusion of a sparkling Shiraz with Christmas festivities is a long-standing tradition.
TASTING Medium deep red in colour with a fine bead. The aroma abounds with savoury leather, spice and plum and hints of forest floor while the palate is soft, round, luscious and creamy.
FOOD MATCH Delicious with Christmas turkey and all the trimmings.
CELLARING Best drinking now or over the festive season.
Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard
2014 'The Gypsy' Sparkling Shiraz – RRP $50
This sparkling is made in traditional French method, whereby the Shiraz juice underwent secondary fermentation in the bottle and was aged on yeast lees for 36 months before riddling and disgorge. It is made from 100% Shiraz fruit and is the second disgorge to be released of this vintage.
TASTING Deep crimson in colour. The nose has lashings of beautiful cherries and dark plums. It has a persistent fine bead and is superbly developed, showing richness, softness and a delicate yeast complexity.
FOOD MATCH Perfect with a roast turkey on Christmas Day!
CELLARING Up to 5 years.
Peterson House
2018 Prosecco – RRP $33
Peterson House are the recognised specialist producer of sparkling wines in the Hunter Valley. Their aim is to
produce a wine for all tastes and occasions
TASTING As this wine first hits the palate it is spritzy and fresh. The lively bubbles offset some strong fruity notes. The overall impression is fruitier than the relatively low sugar level would suggest. Crispy pears and melon notes in the mid palate give this wine mouthfeel and depth.
The finish has a lovely acid zing which refreshes and reminds you that there is firm acid spine to refresh the palate for the next sip.
FOOD MATCH One for all occasions. Start with pre lunch or pre dinner!
CELLARING Drink now.
Mount View Estate
Fuchsia Sparkling Rosé – RRP $25
Mount View Estate is a 5 red star rated winery voted by James Halliday and is Located in the picturesque Mount View region, nestled into the Brokenback ranges. Fuchsia is a sparkling Rosé wine named after the colour of the flower from the Fuchsia plant. It was made using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the Hilltops region of NSW.
TASTING It has clean lifted aromas of rose petal, strawberry and red berries. The palate is fresh and mouthfilling, with strawberry and raspberry flavours, and a smooth but lively finish. Serve chilled.
FOOD MATCH This Sparkling Rosé is perfect for the festive season and festive foods such as a antipasto or cheese platter.
CELLARING Drink now and the next 12 months.
Iron Gate Estate
2015 Lilliott Sparkling White – RRP $35
Methode Traditionelle. This wine has undergone a secondary fermentation in the bottle and aged on lees for 2 yrs. It's a blend of Semillon with small amount of Verdelho to enhance the fruit characters – a nice dry and fruity white sparkling.
TASTING It has citrus and tropical fruit notes,
and floral elements on the nose.
FOOD MATCH The perfect accompaniment to seafood platters.
CELLARING 1–2 years.
Lambloch Estate
The Loch 2015 Sparkling Semillon – RRP $29
Great wine starts with the vineyard. The Lambloch Estate vines were planted in the 1950’s in prized volcanic soil not often seen in the Hunter.
TASTING Green Straw in colour, The Loch 2015 Sparkling Semillon is bright and lively as you pour it into the glass. It has a lifted and fresh bouquet, with hints of citrus zing, fresh cut hay and grapefruit. It has the palate of young Semillon with notes of lemon and lime, which give a vibrant lively mouthfeel.
FOOD MATCH A perfect wine for seafood or Asian cuisine. Its freshness would complement oysters or prawns and the acidity would cut through a spicy stir fry. Serve cold.
Sandalyn Estate
Sparkling Fushsia RRP $45
Sandalyn Wilderness Estate is a family owned and operated boutique winery situated in Lovedale, Hunter Valley. All Sandalyn Estate and Fuchs wines are made from estate grown and locally produced grapes of the highest quality.
TASTING The Sandalyn Estate Sparkling Fushsia is made from a sweet blend of Chardonnay with a touch of Cabernet for colour. It has been naturally fermented in the bottle in the traditional style, producing a semi-sweet Sparkling Rosé with a lingering finish on the palate.
FOOD MATCH This wine is ideal as a refreshing festive celebratory wine. The glitter bottle would make a perfect Christmas gift on its own or with a gourmet pudding in one of Sandalyn Estates great Christmas hamper packs!
CELLARING 2–3 years.
Mistletoe Winery
2018 Christmas Cheer Mozcato – RRP $23
This is the REAL DEAL! Not a concocted wine like so many Australian Moscatos. Made from the same grape variety as used in Italy to make Moscato. This wine is bottled under a purpose built screwcap developed especially for effervescent wines. It is easier to open, convenient and is easy to reseal in case it doesn’t all disappear when first opened.
TASTING Beautifully fresh, fragrant and spicy on the nose with intense tropical fruit flavours on the palate. Not too sweet with harmonious balance between the sweetness and acidity. Serve chilled.
FOOD MATCH It is great just as an aperitif or at the end of a meal with fresh fruit and cheese. One for “The Witching Hour” girls! FYI: Witching hour? That time between the kids coming inside for the night and Dad arrives home from work.
CELLARING Drink now to 2023.
Tatler Wines
Frizzante Semillon – RRP $27 ($22 members)
Often referred to as ‘the taste of summer’ this classic Hunter Semillon has a gentle fizz with bubbles that dance away on your tongue. For the slightly sweeter palate, drink this thirst quenching wine straight or over ice. For those who love a cheeky twist, serve over ice with a wedge of lemon. One thing is for sure, this crisp and refreshing Frizzante Semillon will certainly bring Carmen Miranda sparkle to your day.
TASTING Classic Hunter Semillon given a “Carmen Miranda” sparkle. Serve ice cold. Many of our customers spruce up this summer favourite with ice and a wedge of lemon. Perfect after a hard tango!
FOOD MATCH Serve over ice as an aperitif.
CELLARING Drink in the next 12 months for ultimate freshness.
Three Ponds (Available from The Garden Cellars)
2017 Neptune Sparkling – RRP $30
Mount Eyre Vineyards is a boutique Hunter Valley winery incorporating the Three Ponds vineyard in Broke, planted in 1970. Three Ponds wines are made to showcase Hunter Valley fruit and winemaking at its best. Owned by the Iannuzzi and Tsironis families, Three Ponds combines European and modern Australian traditions of winemaking and viticulture.
TASTING Made from classic Hunter white varieties Semillon and Chardonnay in the Charmat method, this is a refreshing yet fruity sparkling wine. The Semillon provides great freshness and citrus acidity, whilst the Chardonnay lends this wine a wonderful balance and fullness on the palate.
FOOD MATCH The perfect accompaniment to fine seafood and oysters.
CELLARING Drink now.
Emma's Cottage Vineyard
Sparkles 2017 – RRP $35
Emma’s Cottage Vineyard is a small vineyard producing premium hand-picked estate grown boutique wines from our own carefully nurtured 30 year old vines. Explore Wilderness Road and find the red truck at our gate. Hidden behind the vines you will find our cellar door, gallery, garden and cottages. Enjoy a personal, friendly and informative tasting of the lovely wines made for us by renowned Hunter Valley winemakers.
TASTING A lively combination of Chardonnay, Semillon and Pinot Noir. Crisp citrus and stone fruit notes with lovely delicate yeasty notes.
FOOD MATCH A very versatile wine, this sparkles can be served with almost anything!
CELLARING 5 years.
