Wines Of The Week
Chandon's Blanc de Blancs 2009 & Symbols Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Blend 2010
If there's an upcoming event worth celebrating then consider a Chardonnay-based sparkling, and one that's hard to overlook is Chandon's
Blanc de Blancs 2009. It's grown in the cool climate areas of Yarra and King Valleys and Macedon, Victoria.
2009 in Victoria is most remembered for it's tragic bush fires, but it was an outstanding one also for cool climate Chardonnays, particularly within the Upper Yarra Valley. The fruit produced there provided crisp acidity and lovely citrus flavours. And in King Valley, the Yarra floor and Macedon, the fruit displayed fuller peach and nectarine characters and a wonderful texture.
Because of the warmer then normal conditions in February the fruited ripened much quicker in all the areas. Picking was undertaken at the Chandon vineyards during the coolest period of the day to maximise the freshness of the fruit and its quality.
The grapes from each site were pressed and fermented independently so that the unique characteristics of each parcel was captured separately. This has resulted in different Cuvee selected for palate length, balanced structure and concentrated varietal flavour.
So, at your next celebration enjoy your $39.95 Chardon with a variety party room nibbles and treats.
A Glass For Lunch:
Ferngrove in Western Australia's Frankland River region was only established in 1998 but already has gained a covetable reputation for its wide range of outstanding wines covering a wide domain of blends and varietals. Ferngrove is located in Frankland River region and is approximated 90km inland from the coast and some 360km south of Perth.
One of the blends from the 2010 vintage is an appealing 90% CabSav and a 10% Merlot that has been bottled under the company's Symbols label. This is a wine that has red plum and blackberry flavours, long grainy tannins and beautifully balancing vanilla oak.
It's a great buy at $14.99 and can be savoured now. Best with a grilled porterhouse with garlic mash. Alternatively, buy a few and lay them in the cellar for the next five to eight year where they should develop further.
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