2008 Di Giorgio Family Wines Coonawarra Pinot Noir Sparkling
Coonawarra, South Australia
You do not often hear Pinot Noir and Coonawarra in the same breath, but here you see a sparkling that will change that perception. In 2002, the Di Giorgio family became the proud custodians of the historic Rouge Homme winery and it’s 13.5 hectares of vineyards, of which 3 hectares were planted with Pinot Noir vines which are now 40 years old, as evident in the deeper berry resonance to this classy fizz.
Made in the traditional method with 15 months on lees before small batches were disgorged, this is a dry style of sparkling rosé. The colour is more of a subtle stylishly bronzed cheek with just a blush of salmon than some of the decidedly pink ingénues available. It displays typical varietal strawberries and cream characters dipping into slightly darker berry fruit but has the added lees character of light biscuits and some Australian vegemite on the palate.
Crisp and refreshing with a finely textured fizz, this sparkling is great to share with friends but I think that it will be a delightful accompaniment to food. Although dainty canapés sound rather a good match with this wine, I think that delicately smoked trout served traditionally on buttered wholemeal bread sounds even better.
Drink now.
Note: traditional method means the second ferment happens in the bottle with resting time on lees. This method is used in Champagne and is often referred to as Méthode Champenoise.
Distribution: cellar door and selected wine stores and restaurants
Value: $26
© Lisa Johnston August 2010
Wine Diva Wines of the Month, September 2010
