Page 74 - Port Douglas Magazine 27

Sparkling
SEASON PAUL’S
TOP
PICKS
WORDS by Paul McMahon
he weather has turned and as we
all know it only gets hotter and a
little more humid each day in Port
TDouglas. It is said we have two
types of weather here in the far north … hot
and hotter! But that is the way we like it, and
as we all know if it didn’t get a bit sticky
everyone would be living here.
That said, what a great time to talk about sparkling
wine as we very quickly head into the silly season
or should I say “Sparkling Season” – for a special
occasion or simply a great start to your holiday or
weekend!
Once again wine makers are pushing the boundaries
and developing more exciting wines to tempt us,
and the sparkling wine market is no exception. No
longer are we bored for choice, with interesting and
vibrant blends emerging on the market. Proseccos
are in huge growth, along with the more traditional
sparkling wines we know and love, which are all
perfectly suited for celebrations of any sort! If you
don’t have anything to celebrate just celebrate that
you are alive or are lucky enough to visit our regional
paradise.
Personally, I believe some of the best bubbles grown
in Australia come from Tasmania, the cool temperate
climate matching closely with that of the Champagne
district in France. However, that is not to take away
from the King Valley in Victoria and Eden Valley
in South Australia who are also producing fantastic
sparkling by experimenting with little known blends
to produce some wonderful results. There are also
several wonderful champagnes in store from France.
You must try the classic Moet, Mumm or Pol Roger
for a truly indulgent experience. However, we also
have a lesser known but one of my favourites VVE
Fourny & Fils for $79.99 which is a stunning example
from Champagne.
I urge you to come in, try something different and
expand your palate.
Below I have highlighted a few favourites together
with a couple of new kids on the market and I have
taken the liberty of pairing them with another
summer favourite – mango.
74 tourismportdouglas.com.au
Redbank Prosecco 2018 $24.99,is from the heart of
North East Victoria’s King Valley. The picturesque
1vineyards are cool enough to retain the level of natural
acidity required to create a fresh, crisp structure whilst still
producing the fine, delicate fruit flavours which are hallmarks
of the Prosecco sparkling style. The palate is fresh and light
with flavours of crisp green apple, lemon and grapefruit.
Pair it with a simple antipasto platter of mango wrapped in
prosciutto, mild flavoured cheese and crusty Italian bread.
Jansz NV Brut Cuvee $32.99, is Tassie bubbles
2
with traditional chardonnay and pinot noir grapes
from selected vineyard sites of Pipers River, Tamar
Valley in the North and South to the Coal River. It is made
method champenoise however Jansz like to call it method
tasmanoise. It is very pale gold in colour, with a persistent
fine mousse. The palate is well balanced with delicate fruit
flavour and fine creamy texture.
Perfect with freshly shucked oysters served with mango,
shallot and red wine vinegar mignonette.
Chaffey Bros Funkelpunkt $24.99, is another small
batch from the Fechner Bros’ revered Eden Valley
3Vineyard. Stylishly made by the Chaffey Bros, Daniel
and Theo. Sparkling Riesling et al is a new wine style from
the world famous South Australian, Eden Valley region.
Already well known for still wine Riesling, Funkelpunkt
combines mineral Riesling with textural Kerner and topped
with a little splash of their super-aromatic Gewurztraminer.
Pale straw in colour the wine delivers subtle aromas of
tropical fruits. On the palate, mineral notes of fresh flint,
white peaches and zesty lemons explode from the glass and
is very refreshing for our tropical climate. Give it go with
Thai Mango Chicken.
Morris Sparkling Shiraz/Durif $24.99, from
Rutherglen in Victoria is a unique sparkling red with
4intense beading, and a rich robust flavour. It is rich and
earthy with ripe fruit characters and typical shiraz spice.
The rich and full flavoured palate of dark fruits, black olive
and chocolate are balanced with soft tannins. This is the
answer for those who prefer red and live in the tropics!
An ideal wine to serve with a roast dinner particularly game
meats such as duck and turkey making it the perfect partner
for Christmas lunch hams and turkey with all the trimmings,
and make sure it is served chilled.