Balgownie's Yarra Valley vineyards were planted in 2003 to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a view to exploiting the slow ripening temperate climes and rich soils of the region for the creation of exquisite and stylish sparkling wines. Vinified to a combination of new and old world winemaking techniques, the tradtional cepage of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is partially barrel fermented in seasoned oak before being treated to a term of extended lees contact, infusing the palate with rich yeasty brioche characters and refined textural creaminess.
The emergence of Balgownie Estate as a preminent winemaker in the 1970s led to the rapid expansion of the central goldfields wine growing region and was a significant player in the rebirth of the Victorian wine industry as a whole. In 1999, fine wine enthusiasts Des and Rod Forrester assumed proprietorship of Balgownie and set about updating the vineyards and winery. The Forresters embarked on a search for the idyllic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir site, eventually identifying a property in the Yarra Valley where they established seven hectares of closely managed vines. Crafted to Methode traditionelle, Balgownie Brut is rested on sediments before completing secondary fermentation in bottle.
Pale golden colour with clear, sparkling bead. Bright and lifted aromas of citrus and new seasons apple with hints of guava and passionfruit. Lovely fine palate showing cut stonefruit, lemon and biscuit complexity, light tangy citrus acids and a hint of red berry fruit characters before an elegant crisp finish. The aperitif wine of choice, choose Balgownie to accompany hors d'oeuvres, appetizers and nibbles.
