Methode Traditionnelle

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatic

Dessert Wine

Rose

Red Wine
 

Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc Bubbles 2011
 

This being the last Weekly Wine before the New Year and the tendency for people to break out the bubbles for both New Year's and Christmas celebrations, I thought I would take the opportunity to taste an affordable sparkling wine, the Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc.

The fruit for this wine was sourced from several vineyards including ones in the Lower Wairau and Brancott Valley. The fruit from these vineyards was especially selected for a sparkling wine style. It was transported to the winery with haste and pressed off with minimal skin contact.

The resulting juice was cool fermented in stainless steel to retain freshness and flavour. The wine has been carefully balanced to provide a refreshing and persistent off-dry finish enlivened by bubbles.

I found the pale straw coloured Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc Bubbles to have a lifted nose of tropical fruit, fresh cut herbs, blackcurrant, grapefruit and melon with underlying mineral notes. On the palate, I found the wine to have flavours of blackcurrant, melon, and grapefruit with notes of herbs and a refreshing minerality of course enlivened by a bit of sparkle.

Although this wine will cellar for up to three years, it is perfect for enjoying with the upcoming celebrations either on its own or with hors d'oeurves. For a treat, you could even enjoy it with New Zealand oysters.

Reviewed by Stephen Clark (12/12/2011)
 

>> Back to Wine List <<