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The 2016 Stonier Sparkling is made predominantly from small parcels of Chardonnay (92%), selected from several vineyards and picked early when flavour and acid balance were optimal. A small amount of Pinot Noir (6%) and Pinot Meunier (2%) were picked a little riper to enhance the flavour profile of the blend. The hand-picked fruit was whole bunch pressed, blended and fermented at cool temperatures (primary fermentation) prior to “tirage” in August, 2016. After the completion of the secondary fermentation in bottle, the sparkling wine spent close to two years in the same bottle, developing complex aromas and flavours whilst still in contact with the yeast. The 2016 Stonier Sparkling was disgorged (removal of the yeast and sealing with cork) in July, 2018.
Lovely acid drive on the palate, but with plenty of fresh lemon fruit along for the ride. There is a nice creaminess that will become more apparent with time in bottle, enhancing the complex toasty brioche characters derived from ageing on yeast lees. The balanced dry finish works nicely as a refreshing aperitif style sparkling wine.
