Get 2012 off to a bang with this terrific Tassie sparkling. 

Tasmania is producing some lovely premium sparkling wines and this is one of the best.  Clover Hill started life in 1991 when it was 100% Chardonnay, but these days this very classy fizz contains all three of the classic Champagne varieties – with just over 50% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir and 6% Pinot Meunier in 2007.

Pale lemon in colour with a fine streaming bead and creamy mousse, this wine has aromas of lemon peel, ripe crunchy green apples and a touch of honey on toast.  The palate backs up these aromas with tangy acid, complex yet fine textural componants and great length. 

Fresh and bright, the Clover Hill can certainly work as a classic aperitif, but if you really want to see this wine sing, pair it with fresh seafood ­ calamari just sliced and seared on the BBQ, fresh oysters or sugar-cured salmon with crème fraiche and shallots on toast.  What a way to while away the summer.