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Vorlage Der Graham Beck Blanc de Blanc 2015 und der Graham Beck Zero 2012 wurden beide mit je 93 Punkte ausgezeichnet

Expert’s choice: New World sparkling wines

What better way to lift the spirits as we approach this most unusual of holiday seasons than with a glass of top-quality New World fizz? https://www.decanter.com/premium/experts-choice-new-world-sparkling-wines-446413/

Dirceu Vianna Junior MWNovember 14, 2020

• Highlights

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

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• Magazine: December 2020 Issue • Tastings Home

A vast range of grape varieties and techniques have created an extraordinary array of sparkling styles: from off-dry to sweet Muscat, fruity tank-fermented wines and increasingly trendy pét-nats. Within this universe of diversity, I searched for the best examples under £30, concluding that the top wines are invariably a reflection of the know-how and grape varieties used in Champagne. However, in every country the influence of terroir and addition of locally grown grape varieties add layers of complexity and excitement. This tasting highlights the rising quality and great diversity of styles being made all over the world. Wine lovers often default to Champagne – especially when price is not a concern – yet anyone searching for good value or something unexpected would do well to opt for New World fizz, as there is so much to explore and enjoy.

During the last three decades, Australia has elevated itself to another dimension, especially in Tasmania. The island shines not only for its quality but consistency of style. Furthermore, Australia demonstrates the ability to deliver excellent value – witness the producers below.

Despite the limited number of wines tasted from New Zealand and California, it is evident that standards in both countries are high – especially where there is the direct influence of Champagne houses such as Taittinger and Louis Roederer in California, for Domaine Carneros and Quartet respectively. Californian producers such as Gloria Ferrer, Iron Horse and Schramsberg are excelling; and further afield, Oregon and New York state are growing their reputation for sparkling wine. It’s clear that South Africa is capable of competing against anyone in sparkling wine, and producers using other varieties, including Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, can craft products suitable for every palate and price point. Brazil is steadily building a reputation as a serious sparkling producer. Styles vary from off-dry and sweet, Moscato-based wines to impressive traditional-method, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-based examples. Chile’s sparkling production has been gaining momentum, with important players such as Valdivieso, Undurraga and Torres joined by Viña Carmen, Echeverria, Bouchon, Montes and Loma Larga. Blends are also benefiting from the use of Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and local País. Sparkling wine production in Argentina started to be taken seriously as soon as Moët & Chandon inaugurated its first international subsidiary in 1959. Successively, a growing number of producers have entered the frame, offering good quality and diversity using Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Malbec and Bonarda as well as Torrontés for more exuberant styles, alongside the classic Champagne grapes. There is so much to explore, but since sparkling wines are mostly associated with celebration, the challenge is to find ways to incorporate more into our drinking

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

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repertoire and not just wait for a special occasion. If not, the sheer quality, value for money and diversity of styles should be a good enough reason to raise a glass.

Dirceu Vianna Junior MW’s top pick of New World sparkling wines

Pirie, Traditional Method NV, Tasmania, Australia

+ Add to My Wines This is a work of art by Andrew Pirie achieved by blending 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir, some of which rested in old French barrels prior to spending 18 months on lees to aid complexity. Aromas of citrus fruits and yellow fruits, with freshly baked bread and yeasty notes...

Points95

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

House of Arras, Brut Elite Cuvee 1501, Tasmania, Australia

+ Add to My Wines The experience of sparkling winemaking techniques mastered over decades delivers this exceptional example of Tasmanian flair which consists of 55% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier. Four years on the lees following secondary fermentation. On the nose it oozes finesse with subtle and sophisticated aromas of citrus fruits,...

Points95

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Villiera, Monro Brut, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2012

+ Add to My Wines A blend of 61% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 9% Pinot Meunier from 2012, a cool year. A proportion of the wine is fermented in oak followed by extended lees contact for six years. It displays a mid-intensity golden colour with copper hue and tiny persistent bubbles. On the nose...

Points95

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Cave Geisse, Blanc de Blancs, Serra Gaúcha, Pinto Bandeira

+ Add to My Wines From one of the best terroirs in South America for sparkling wine and made exclusively with Chardonnay that has aged in bottle for 36 months after its second fermentation. The aromas are reminiscent of taking a walk through an orchard in the spring. It exudes freshness, vibrancy and displays lovely...

Points94

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Domaine Carneros, Brut Methode Traditionelle, 2016

+ Add to My Wines The winery is a stunning regional landmark for those driving north from San Francisco, and the wine is also something to admire. Classy and seductive with notes of citrus fruits, apples, yellow plums, white flowers and brioche. On the palate it is dry and lively with attractive savoury notes, a...

Points94

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

House of Arras, Blanc de Blancs, Tasmania, Australia

+ Add to My Wines The elegance of this Blanc de Blancs with 30 months lees ageing allows the Chardonnay to shine through with sophisticated notes of citrus fruits, peach, crunchy green apples, jasmine, almonds and fresh dough. On the palate it shows Champagne-like finesse with delicate yeasty complexity, seductive creamy texture and a classy,...

Points94

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Roederer Estate, Quartet Brut Rose NV, Mendocino County

+ Add to My Wines This wine exudes class. It displays a wonderful pale pink colour with apricot and copper hue as well as tiny persistent bubbles. Aromas are delicate and refined including a combination of fresh berry fruits, toast, wild flowers and yeasty notes. On the palate it has wonderful creamy texture (two years...

Points94

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Graham Beck, Blanc de Blancs, Robertson, South Africa, 2015

+ Add to My Wines An extraordinary example of blanc de blancs, made with 100% Chardonnay that was hand-selected from a specific limestone plot that helps to provide finesse and minerality. Four years on the lees following secondary fermentation. Aromas are wonderfully limpid and inviting including citrus fruits, apples, fresh dough, cashew nuts, brioche and...

Points93

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

House of Arras, A by Arras Premium Cuvée NV, Tasmania

+ Add to My Wines Impressive marriage of Pinot Noir (58.8%), Chardonnay (33.7%) and Pinot Meunier (7.5%) that rested for 36 months on lees and six months in the bottle prior to release. Refined, subtle and inviting aromas of apple skins, citrus and yellow plums, fresh melon and nectarine, mingled with fresh bread crust and...

Points93

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Petaluma, Croser Vintage, Adelaide Hills, 2013

+ Add to My Wines A blend of 59% Pinot Noir and 41% Chardonnay from a vineyard planted in the early 1980s. Extended lees ageing - four years. Subtle and intriguing aromas of crystalised yellow fruits, pineapple, cashew, brioche, hay, buttered toast and delicate hints of sweet spices. Dry and harmonious, with an attractive creamy...

Points93

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Pizzato, Vertigo Nature, Serra Gaúcha, Vale dos Vinhedos

+ Add to My Wines Irreverent and unusual style of sparkling that has been bottle fermented, then sent to market prior to disgorgement, hence it is cloudy. The nose is forward, expressive and enticingly complex, with notes of grapefruit, ripe yellow fruits, fresh dough and overt toasty notes. Bone dry with assertive freshness and wonderful...

Points93

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Roederer Estate, Quartet NV, Mendocino County, Anderson

+ Add to My Wines The iconic Quarted blend of Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (40%) with two years in contact with the lees. From fog-shrouded Anderson Valley this shows supreme elegance, balance and poise. Pale straw colour. Attractive notes of citrus fruits, fresh dough, cashew nuts, star fruit, Mirabelle plum and fresh biscuits on...

Points93

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Graham Beck, Brut Zero, Robertson, South Africa, 2012

+ Add to My Wines Special Cuvee only made in special years, driven by Pinot Noir, without the use of dosage and with 60 months of lees ageing following secondary fermentation. The wine boasts an attractive copper colour. On the nose it is rich and inviting with aromas of ripe yellow fruits, almonds and complex...

Points93

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Cave Geisse, Rose Extra Brut, Serra Gaúcha, Pinto Bandeira, 2017

+ Add to My Wines A beautiful salmon pink rose made exclusively with Pinot Noir. On the nose graceful, refined and shows inviting notes of cranberries, citrus fruits, pomegranate and red cherries. Supreme balance and poise courtesy of 36 months bottle age. On the palate it is dry with a lively acidity, silky texture, and...

Points93

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Cave Geisse, Metodo Tradicional Extra Brut, Serra Gaúcha, 2017

+ Add to My Wines This wine consists of an equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that rested for 36 months on lees prior to its release. On the nose it is promising and elegant with notes of citrus fruits, ripe yellow fruits, apples, hay and attractive yeasty complexity. On the palate it is...

Points93

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

No1 Family Estate, No1 Cuvée Blanc de Blancs, Marlborough

+ Add to My Wines This is a 100% Chardonnay made by Daniel Le Brun with Marlborough fruit followed by 24 months ageing on lees. It shows an attractive pale lemon colour with golden highlights and fine bubbles uniformly dispersed. Aromas are restrained and sophisticated including lemon, yellow fruit, stone fruit and toast. Dry, harmonious...

Points92

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Casa Boher, Extra Brut, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

+ Add to My Wines Smart looking but unusual as the bottle is dark and simply labelled as Extra Brut but, surprisingly, in the glass, we get a light rosé of salmon colour and pale intensity. A PIonot Noir-based blend (70% with 30% Chardonnay) and 18 months of lees ageing. Aromas are youthful, vibrant, refined...

Points92

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Hunter's, MiruMiru Rose NV, Marlborough, New Zealand

+ Add to My Wines This traditionally bottle fermented wine consists of Pinot Noir (55%), Chardonnay (42%), and Pinot Meunier (3%) and rested on lees for 18 months. Attractive pale salmon colour shows sophistication. Aromas are youthful, clean, pure and precise with wonderful aromas of cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, red cherries and delicate yeasty notes. On...

Points92

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Pizzato, Brut, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2017

+ Add to My Wines Since its first vintage in 2006 Flavio Pizzato has managed to achieve impressive quality and consistency blending Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This wine was disgorged in January of 2020, after 15 months on the lees. It displays mid intensity lemon yellow with a golden hue and an impressive marriage of...

Points91

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Jordan, Blanc de Blancs Special Cuvee, Stellenbosch, 2015

+ Add to My Wines From cooler south and east facing slopes of Stellenbosch comes this 100% Chardonnay with two years of lees ageing. It displays attractive lemon yellow colour of mid intensity and fine persistent bubbles. Aromas are graceful including citrus fruits, green apples, yellow plums and fresh pastry. The palate is dry accompanied...

Points91

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Miolo, Millesime, Serra Gaúcha, Vale dos Vinhedos, 2012

+ Add to My Wines Elegant blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (50/50) with 18 months of contact with the lees. Subtle and refined displaying delicate notes of ripe yellow fruits, toast and biscuits showing certain restrained and sophistication. Aromas are mirrored on the palate and include attractive yeasty complexity. A well sparkling, harmonious with...

Points91

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Zuccardi, Blanc de Blancs Cuvee Especial, Mendoza, 2016

+ Add to My Wines A great example of Argentinian sparkling made by the charismatic Zuccardi family, exclusively using Chardonnay from Tupungato, with 30 months of lees ageing. Aromas are refined and inviting, alight with ripe peach and melon, citrus fruit and brioche. The dry palate is crisp and angular with a laser-sharp freshness on...

Points90

KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil

Öffnungszeiten Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 Sa. 10.00 – 16.00

Tel. 043 888 21 21 info@kapweine.ch www.kapweine.ch

Skeggs Family, Akarua NV, Bannockburn, Central Otago

+ Add to My Wines This beautiful property was established by the Skeggs family in 1996. The wine is a blend of 59% Pinot Noir and 41% Chardonnay. Aromas are youthful and subtle with notes of white peaches, yellow plums, citrus and buttered toast as well as hints of red forest fruits. It spent over...

Points89