This sparkling wine is a pale straw colour with a fine and persistent bead. Crisp apples and citrus lift are balanced by bready and biscuity autolysis notes from lees ageing. Vibrant acidity adds drive to a full and rich mid-palate, vigorous mousse and a slaty, mineral persisting finish.
Viticulture
The wine is made from Chardonnay 55%, and Pinot Noir 45%, grown in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley. When grown in areas that experience cool ripening conditions the varieties produce sparkling wines of finesse, elegance and delicacy of flavour.
Vinification
The majority of the blend is from the 2019 vintage with some earlier vintages included to add complexity. Free run juice and light pressings (max 0.2 bar) are oxidatively handled. Small percentage of the blend was matured in older French barrels. Tirage and secondary ferment in bottle (Traditional Method) was followed by two years on lees before disgorging. It was bottled with an alcohol of 12%.
Recommendation
Serve with natural oysters for the perfect start to a meal or try it with richer fish like baked ocean trout or yellowfin tuna. The Pirie NV could also be enjoyed with a ripe brie and thinly sliced granny smith apple segments.