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Best of Wine Awards 2023: Sparkling
Who doesn’t want to sip award-winning fizz? From boutique French bubbles to Aussie sparkling, get the judges’ recommendations, including bargain buys for when you’re not on a Champagne budget.
If judging sparkling wines sounds like a dream job, imagine yourself in the hotseat at this year’s Best of Wine Awards seeking out winners among three sparkling categories: Champagne, premium Aussie sparkling, and sparkling wines $30 and under. Judge Leon Thomas explains, “We have to not only look for the most complete and balanced wine, but also the all-important element of effervescence and how it influences overall enjoyment.” Judge Andrew Harvey is delighted by the quality of Australian sparkling on show. “Not just in production style, but uncovering amazing vineyard sites for sparkling wine and really treating it as a specialty category from the ground up,” he says. One thing is certain – wine drinkers are the real winners here. As judge Oliver Francis says, “It was great to see the lengths that winemakers go to, to provide quality at every price point.”
Winner Champagne – Andre Clouet Champagne
There’s a lot to discover in the smaller Champagne houses like Andre Clouet. This wine has beautifully integrated citrus and stone fruit with the complexity of brioche and toasted nuts. Judge Peter Marr says “This style invites conversation and also takes you to the table to enjoy it with more complex food”.
Winner Premium Aussie Sparkling – Deviation Road Loftia Vintage Brut
Created by Master of Wine Kym Milne, Bird in Hand Sparkling pours a pretty blush pink and erupts with aromas of strawberry and Pink Lady apples. Judge Leon Thomas suggests pairing this delightful drop with sashimi and gyoza.
Winner Sparkling $30 and under: Bird in Hand Sparkling
Created by Master of Wine Kym Milne, Bird in Hand Sparkling pours a pretty blush pink and erupts with aromas of strawberry and Pink Lady apples. Judge Leon Thomas suggests pairing this delightful drop with sashimi and gyoza.
The Finalists
Don’t miss these sparkling wines and Champagnes that also rated highly with the judges.
Finalists: Best Champagne
Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique NV A fresh, richer style of Champagne with honeysuckle, ripe citrus, peach and spicy biscuit aromas.
Duval Leroy Brut Reserve NV Known for its complexity and consistency and delicate balance of finesse and power.
Champagne Marcel Pierre Brut NV A delicate aperitif style with crunchy apple and freshly baked baguette aromas, the perfect partner to oysters.
Perrier Jouet Grand Brut NV Champagne Complex and lively with aromas of wildflowers, nashi-pear and marzipan, and enough richness to match with soft cheese.
Finalists: Best premium Aussie sparkling
Barringwood Tasmanian Cuvee Methode Traditionelle There’s a faint blush tint to this flamboyantly youthful sparkling. Sometimes you can judge a wine by its (gorgeous) label.
Chandon Vintage Brut Sparkling Grapes from cool climate northern Victoria incorporate creamy acidity with delicious flavours of grapefruit, plum, praline and fresh toast.
Arras Brut Elite Sparkling NV The House of Arras is one of Australia’s most celebrated sparkling producers and this wine proves why with its complexity and elegance.
Mumm Tasmania Yes, you read that correctly – the famed Champagne house has set up shop in Tasmania with exceptional results.
Finalists: Best sparkling $30 and under
Dal Zotto Pucino Prosecco Perfect for sipping in the sun – crisp apple and zesty citrus make this incredibly drinkable.
Grant Burge Pinot Noir Chardonnay NV Bright strawberry and peach characters with a rich and generous palate weight make it a versatile pairing for grazing platters.
6Ft6 Prosecco Everything you want in a prosecco – light, crisp and clean with lemon and pear flavours and a hint of floral honey.
Croser NV A perennial favourite from one of the pioneers of Australian sparkling with assertive fruit flavours and beautiful balance.
Products featured are available from 12/04/23 to 16/05/23, while stocks last. Some products or varieties featured may not be available in all stores.
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