The Spring Racing Carnival is here and how better to celebrate than with a glass of Tasmanian bubbly? MANIKA DADSON talks to three Tasmanian wine gurus about their favourite sparkling wines for the party season.
WINSOR DOBBIN: Sunday Examiner wine columnist, food and travel writer
Tasmanians are spoilt for choice when it comes to sparkling wine, with names like House of Arras, Jansz, Clover Hill, Heemskerk, Pirie and Apogee all among the leading bubbly producers in Australia.
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While Tasmanian sparkling wines are not cheap, they offer excellent quality and value - and there are plenty of choices for those who do not wish to splash out on vintage Champagne to celebrate the Spring Racing Carnival.
For those on a budget: A by Arras NV Premium Cuvée $25 - 4/5.
The higher-end Arras sparkling wines are hugely successful in wine shows with Ed Carr unrivaled when it comes to making bubbles with intensity and complexity. This is the new entry-level Arras wine; a classic blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier that offers quality Tasmanian bubbles at a very reasonable price. Fresh, crisp, racy and citrusy with plenty of length.
Mid-range: Jansz 2008 Premium Vintage Cuvée $45 - 4.5/5
Jansz is the "go-to" Tasmanian sparkling wine brand for many consumers and has been producing top bubbles for more than two decades. This has citrus and strawberry flavours intermingled with toast and brioche notes typical of a wine that has a few years of bottle age. It has masculine yeasty nutiness alongside feminine citrus and candied notes. Powerful but elegant.
If you want to splash out: Apogee 2012 Deluxe Vintage Rosé $60 - 4.8/5
A stylish pink bubbly made from 90 per cent pinot noir and 10 per cent chardonnay, this is a pale salmon pink in colour, and delightfully delicate on the palate. A very classy alternative to Champagne from veteran Tasmanian wine maestro Andrew Pirie. It is made in a delicious aperitif style with hints of both fruit sweetness and sea spray and is a perfect wine for sipping and savouring while watching the races.
ANDREW PIRIE: internationally-acclaimed winemaker
For those on a budget: Jansz NV $24.95 - 3.5/5
Widely available. The Tasmanian fruit shows through, distinctive rich and round mid-palate.
Mid-range: Pirie NV $32.29 - 4/5
Available at Dan Murphy's (Trophy winner Brisbane best Aust Sparkling 2014). This wine has a European style with complex bready yeastiness and lingering palate.
If you want to splash out: Arras Grand Vintage 2004 $70 - 5/5.
Widely recognised as one of Australia's best sparklings. Complex aged yeast-honey characters.
Andrew Pirie no longer owns Pirie NV.
JAMES WELSH: sommelier and co-owner of Black Cow Bistro
For those on a budget: NV Delamere Rose $30 - 4/5.
Fresh, vibrant and fun is NV Delamere Rose. Easily sippable trackside, hints of strawberries and cream will generously bubble on your palate. Pink hues also look impressive in glassware.
Mid range: NV Arras Brut Elite Cuvee 701 $40 - 4/5
If you want a snapshot of patchwork and quality Tasmanian sparkling wine fruit, grab NV Arras Brut Elite Cuvee 701. Notes of citrus, bread dough and ripe apple. It'll impress your palate and wallet, as the drop is outstanding value.
If you want to splash out: Andrew Pirie's 2011 Apogee Vintage Deluxe $50.70 - 5/5.
Andrew Pirie's 2011 Apogee Vintage Deluxe lives up to its name. This bottle is long, complex but clean. With hints of toast and honey this is an utterly delicious drop while watching the fillies.
