Derwent Estate Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling 2021 is a sophisticated Tasmanian sparkling crafted in the traditional French style from a 50/50 blend of hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from a 30-year-old vineyard at 200 metres elevation. Dark straw in the glass; aromas of nougat, brioche, and sea spray; a refreshing blend of crisp apple and a delicate bead on the palate with a flawlessly creamy, fresh finish. Aged 3 years on lees, disgorged and rested several months on cork before release — a wine of remarkable intensity, complexity, and Tasmanian cool-climate distinction.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Beautiful dark straw with a fine, persistent bead — the elegant, sophisticated colour of a Tasmanian Méthode Traditionnelle of genuine complexity and 3 years of lees ageing.
Aroma
Inviting and complex — nougat and brioche lead with the classic autolytic richness of traditional method sparkling, lifted by a fresh note of sea spray that speaks directly to the cool Tasmanian maritime terroir.
Palate
Refreshing and beautifully structured — crisp apple and a delicate bead carry through with a flawlessly creamy, fresh finish of genuine length and sophistication. The 3 years on lees and solera-influenced base wine deliver remarkable intensity and complexity.
Pairs With
Derwent Estate Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling 2021 pairs beautifully with fresh oysters, lobster, sashimi, soft cheeses, and light cana pés — equally superb as an apéritif or alongside a celebratory seafood spread.
Fruit sourced from a 30-year-old vineyard at 200 metres elevation — hand-picked when exhibiting fresh strawberry (Pinot Noir) and citrus (Chardonnay) characters. Whole bunch pressed in an inert gas press; settled in tank with minimal sulphur. Pinot Noir underwent micro-oxidation to remove colour; both varieties fermented in old oak barrels with cultured yeasts. Lees stirred fortnightly from post-ferment to bottling to develop autolysis characters early. 15% reserve base wine (held in a solera-like system from 2014) was added to this vintage. Base wine completed 100% malolactic fermentation prior to tirage in spring with no finings. Aged 3 years on lees; disgorged and rested several months on cork before release. 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay.
Vintage Conditions
The 2021 vintage at Derwent Estate delivered fruit of exceptional intensity and high natural acidity — the result of extended hang time on the vine at 200 metres elevation, with fruit often picked at the same time as valley floor growers are harvesting for table wine. This extra time on the vine allowed the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to develop the flavour intensity and acid structure that define this wine’s remarkable complexity and cellaring potential.
