The Fizz Hit List
Far from requiring a special occasion, we think the call for sparkling wine is on many occasions, especially at this time of year.
Here’s a hit list of our favourite sparkling wines, and the moments when we drink them.
The Casual Classic
Whether you’re marking the end of the school term, or just the end of a bloody long working week, it’s always handy to have a few bottles in the fridge for last minute catch ups.
On these occasions, we seek great value, all-rounders that will keep everyone happy.
Monmousseau San Sulphites Cremant de Loire NV
Alpha Domus Cumulus Blanc de Blanc NV
The Low Down - Methode Traditionelle
The French region of Champagne has clearly set the benchmark for sparkling wine, prompting producers around the world to follow a similar method. Known as the Methode Traditionelle, this involves one fermentation to make a base wine, and a second fermentation in bottle to create the effervescence. Made in classic styles these wines can offer excellent value. Look for Crémant, Cava as well as some of our excellent home grown fizz.
Crémant - this is a french sparkling wine, made in the same method used in Champagne, but from outside of that region. The Loire Valley, Burgundy, Alsace and Jura are some of the regions that make Crémant. They’re made from varieties typical in each region.
Cava - This is Spain's excellent contribution to the world of sparkling wine. Made from local varieties, Macabeu (Viura), Xarel-lo, and Parellada, most Cava is produced in Penedès, Catalonia, the region surrounding Barcelona.
Homegrown - With our relatively cool climate, and the wide planting of two of the main Champagne varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sparkling wine production in New Zealand is a no brainer. Right from the modern beginnings of our wine industry in Marlborough in the 1970s, Methode Tradtionelle styles have been successfully produced.
The Warm Up
It’s long been the go-to predrink, and unsurprisingly so - the effervescent energy of a good glass of fizz is just the ticket to raise the mood. Before a gig, a party, or dinner with mates, there are so many fun Pét-Nats that fit the bill.
Tettonica Wines Blush Pét-Nat 2022
Marathon Downs Racecourse Block Pét-Nat 2023
Niepoort Drink Me Nat Cool Branco 1L
Matter Of Time Pinot Noir Pét-Nat 2024
The Low Down - Pét-Nat
It might seem like Pét-Nat is a new addition to wine lists and bottle stores, but in actual fact it’s the OG, the oldest form of sparkling wine. Pét-Nat is an abbreviation for ‘Pétillant Naturel’, a French term that translates to ‘naturally sparkling’.
Most sparkling wine is made with two fermentations. The first turns grape sugars into alcohol creating a base wine. The second captures the fizz, as sugar and yeast are added to the base wine and fermented under pressure, either in bottle (like Champagne) or in tank (like Prosecco).
With Pét-Nat, there’s just one fermentation. Grape juice becoming wine is bottled before it finishes fermentation, which is completed in bottle under pressure. Made in wine regions the world over, from any number of different varieties, there’s plenty to explore.
The Traveller
If you’re heading for the beach, lake, camp ground or a festival this summer, we’ve got just the fizz for you. Delinquente, based in South Australia have put their delicious Tuff Nutt Pét-Nat in a can.
Delinquente Tuff Nutt Pet-Nat 2024 250ml 4 pack
The Low Down - Canned wine
Aluminium, like glass, is an inert compound so perfect for storing wine until you get to crack it. Unlike glass, cans are lightweight, and less fragile, making them perfect for travelling. One of the big benefits is also the ability to drink from a smaller format. Opening a 250ml can for a couple of glasses, rather than a 750ml bottle is so appealing to us.
The Flex
On those occasions when you want to impress, whether it’s a date, a work do, a gift or a dinner party, these sparkling wines all have a level of sophistication to do the job. Regardless of style, they all punch well above their weight in terms of value.
Clos Henri Solange Blanc de Noirs 2021
Black Estate Damsteep Pét-Nat 2024
Rock Ferry Blanc de Blancs 2018
Louis Roederer Collection 244 NV
The Low Down - Quality
Making great sparkling wine is an intricate craft. Quality is first and foremost determined by the fruit itself. Like with any wine, what happens in the vineyard is everything. Measures to ensure the soils are healthy, the fruit is balanced in quantity and quality, and disease is reduced are all key. All four of the wines above are produced with organic practices that contribute to this. In the winery, slowly pressed, whole bunches yield juice for fermentation. Depending on style, sparkling wine producers may choose to age the wine both in tank/barrel, and in bottle. Aging on lees (the dead yeast cells from fermentation) builds texture and complexity of flavour.
Celebrate and Savour
When it does come to marking something special, whether it’s Christmas day, the new year, a new home, or a new you, Champagne hits the mark.
Gosset Grand Reserve Brut Champagne NV
Andre Clouet Brut Rosé No.5 NV
Vilmart & Cie Grande Réserve Brut Champagne Premier Cru NV
Agrapart & Fils 7 Crus Extra Brut NV
The Low Down - Champagne
With its limestone soils, and cool climate, the region of Champagne produces the enlivening fizz we seek at a level unsurpassed by any other region in the world. What we also see of Champagne, are the very well marketed, big brands. But what’s really exciting in the region to us, are the smaller houses and grower Champagnes. Champagne is a wine after all, so it's where we find more vinous and unique character, and a more honest expression of place.
What are Grower Champagnes?
Where the big Champagne houses blend across many vineyards to seek a consistent house style, grower champagnes highlight the unique character of individual vineyards. These small, single vineyards are managed with organic and biodynamic principles, and are generally estate owned. They focus on the principles that guide other great wine regions in the world like Burgundy. The care and expression of place comes first and foremost, all summed up by the French word ‘terroir’.