2020 Southern Cross Sparkling
80% Chardonnay & 20% Pinot Noir. Hand-picked early in the season to ensure a higher acidity. Second fermentation within each bottle and then spending 27 months on lees before disgorging with a dosage of 6.5 g/L
This stunning sparkling has initial aromas of sweet brioche leading to both gentle lemon rind and vibrant crunchy green apple. The palate is then enhanced with a lively acidity that complements the initial creamy mouth feel with an elegant tight bead and lingering finish.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Pinot Noir Chardonnay
Baume
10.8
Acid
11.9
pH
3.16
Alcohol %
12.5
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Crisp and complex Méthode Traditionelle Sparkling displaying fine bead and delicate finish. Notes of citrus and apple are lifted by nutty and honeyed flavours thanks to extended lees aging.
Vineyard Notes
Our Méthode Traditionelle Sparkling is produced with fruit from our Greenleaf Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blocks. Both established in 2001 by the Greenleaf family, French clones of both varieties were carefully selected with sparkling wine in mind. The steep slopes of shallow loam over clay with ironstone and quartz outcrops at an altitude of up to 490 metres gives the ideal terroir for early ripening sparkling fruit
Winemaker Notes
This Chardonnay (80%) Pinot Noir (20%) Méthode Traditionelle Sparkling is created in the true champagne style. Pinot Skins removed before fermentation to give a clear finish. The wine is fermented dry and then allowed to stabilise in seasoned French oak before being bottle fermented. Fermented on lees for 12 months, the yeast and sugar working together to create a sparkling wine with great intensity and a delicate bead.
Food Pairing Notes
- Creamy cheeses
- Shellfish
- Oysters