The Wine Blokes

One of the best Champagne & Sparkling wine experiences I have been involved in routinely still happens around Christmas time at the Petaluma Winery in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia.  I worked as an assistant winemaker for Petaluma a number of years ago. Founder and former chief winemaker of Petaluma, Brian Croser, each Christmas would choose some of the best sparkling and champagne wines from around the world, and along with schuked oysters, treat the cellar staff to a festive bubbly tasting in the cellars of the Petaluma Winery.  Petaluma has a long and trusted association with the Bollinger family, having been in joint ventures over the years, so obviously Bollinger was well represented, along with the very well followed “Croser” sparkling, made by none other than Brian Croser.

So armed with this, and many other memorable bubbly experiences, here is The Wine Blokes recommendations for bubbly over Christmas:

The Aussie Experience: 2005 Croser

Croser has been made for over 20 years with the first vineyards being planted in in the Piccadilly Valley in 1979. Apart from adding subtle flavour depth due to maturing vines, the style of Croser has changed little. It will always be an elegant wine driven by delicate flavours from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes grown in the Piccadilly Valley. The 2005, as is it’s style, it’s fantastically tight but rich, and oozes refinement and delicacy that is hard to find in many of the overly yeast / bread driven flavours of many of its rivals. Year after year the winemakers and viticulturists of Croser seem to maintain the delicate flavours and acidity that makes this wine so appealing, but Croser himself will argue that the distinguished vineyard sites provide the bulk of the quality.

You can purchase 2005 Croser in Australia here.

If you live in the UK you find it via Everywine.co.uk for £112 / case.

The French Experience: 1997 Bollinger Grand Annee

The Bollinger Champagne has been synonomous with fruitful bubbly drinking for a very long time (since 1829) and among the tastings in the Petaluma cellar was always a bottle. Blended from 65% Pinot Noir, and 35% Chardonnay, it’s only made in exceptional years, and aged for at least 7 prior to release. The 1997 is probably not the best vintage, however it is still a very good champagne, and is in the price range of around £70 that most of us can afford, at least for Christmas.

The aroma has a hint of caramel and citrus, with a full, rich mouthfeel you would expect, with a really sharp fulfilling mousse. Even though the wine is over 10 years of age now, the acidity is still prevalent, which seems to integrate well with caramel and coffee type flavours that gives great complexity and structure.  Great for Christmas day.

You can purchase the 1997 Bollinger here for around £70

Remember, if you only lash out once a year on some good bubbly, Christmas is probably your best bet, but make sure it’s good. Oh, and don’t forget the oysters, a wine and food experience you likely not to forget.