Top Australian fizz, pinks and fortifieds

Following our top 10 Australian whites and top 10 Australian reds, this final part of the series showcases the fizz, pinks and fortified wines praised by UK industry professionals throughout Wine Australia’s recent 2014 Inspired tasting.

Each of the travelling wine industry members was asked to choose an Australian wine that inspired them.

The results gave an insight into the breadth and depth of styles and varieties currently coming out of Australia.

Anyone working with wine was fair game and the results were nothing if not broad, highlighting the variety coming out of Australia at the moment.

In the final part of the series we look at wines with bubbles, a rosé and a handful of fortifieds.

Scroll through to see some of the wines the UK trade found inspiring…

9. Pfeiffer Seriously Nutty NV (Rutherglen, VIC)

Nominated by: Sarah Ahmed, Press.

Why inspiring? “Gumboot” clones are one thing but what about swiping sherry flor from the side of a vat with your handkerchief?

Apparently this is how Victoria’s 19th century viticultural expert Francois de Castella kick-started Rutherglen’s ‘sherry’ culture.

While the region’s fortified reputation is rightly tied up with its munificent Muscats and Topaques, this irresistible dry “Amontillado” style Apera should not be overlooked.

How Much? £N/A
 UK.

Sarah Ahmed

8. Printhie Swift Cuvée NV (Orange, NSW)

Nominated by: Madeleine Stenwreth MW.

Why inspiring? The Orange wine region confirms its diversity and uncovers its quality potential with this excellent sparkling wine from a high altitude vineyard (990m).

This wine, from a very cold site, took me by surprise.

Bright citrus and creamy notes in an elegant style with lovely chalky texture and lots of tension through to the long crisp finish.

How Much? NA/
UK.

Madeleine Stenwreth MW

7. Dominique Portet Brut Rosé NV (Yarra Valley, VIC)

Nominated by: Hamish Anderson, Tate

Why inspiring? I discovered some fabulous fizz on the trip, but this is my favourite. It is moreish, has upfront charm but also a serious side and is a bargain to boot.

How Much? £17.50 Goedhuis & Co
.

Hamish Anderson

6. Jansz Vintage 2007 (Tasmania)

Nominated by: Roger Jones, The Harrow at Little Bedwyn

Why inspiring? Jansz continue to excel in what they have done for over a decade, the current vintage excels and delivers one of the finest Sparkling wines on the market especially at the price.

How Much? £22.00 SH Jones, Islington Wine, Field & Fawcett, Tanners, Noel Young
.

Roger Jones

5. Innocent Bystander Moscato 2014 (Victoria)

Nominated by: Alex Harper, Bancroft Wines.

Why inspiring? A hugely underrated style of wine – Innocent Bystander have produced the perfect dessert wine to lift you at the end of a meal; bright, fresh and the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

It is always a surprise just how good this wine is.

How Much? £9.99 Selfridges, Harvey Nichols & Co, The Wine Reserve.

Alex Harper

4. Charles Melton Rose of Virginia 2014 (Barossa, SA)

Nominated by:  Lindsay Oram, Educator.

Why inspiring? I first tasted this with a sociable Charlie Melton at his estate, sun shining and without a care in the world.

I only have to smell that lovely ripe and generous strawberry scent and it takes me right back there.

How Much? £19.99 Harvey Nichols & Co, Symposium Wine Emporium, Oz Wines.

Lindsay Oram

3.Peter Lehmann Black Queen Sparkling Shiraz 2009 (Barossa, SA)

Nominated by: Melanie Reeve, Vinopolis.

Why inspiring? I first tasted it about four years ago (when matched with a spicy chicken liver pâté in a Food & Wine masterclass) and fell in love with it.

Then during the Wine Australia trade visit last year I was privileged to spend the afternoon with Head Winemaker Andrew Wigan and tour the Ebenezer old vines.

He even arranged for the Black Queen to be served at our hosted guest breakfast the following morning as a special treat.

How Much? £19.99 Fortnum & Mason Ltd, Hailsham Wine Cellars.

Melanie Reeve

2. Campbells Rutherglen Topaque NV (Rutherglen, VIC)

Nominated by: Rose Murray Brown MW, Press.

Why inspiring? I discovered this beauty at dinner with the charming Colin Campbell in Rutherglen.

This is a brilliant wine for those who find Aussie Liqueur Muscats too heavy: this Topaque has a wonderful freshness and vibrancy as well as creamy nutty richness.

I enjoyed Colin’s homemade ice-cream too.

How Much? £13.75 Quaff Fine Wine Merchants, Cheese Wine, Hercules Wine.

Rose Murray Brown MW

1. De Bortoli Black Noble NV (Riverina, NSW)

Nominated by: Zachary Yu, Consultant.

Why inspiring? Deep amber colour, exotic aromas of malt syrup, orange marmalade, figs, dates, toffee and some roasted almonds with sea salt similar as an Oloroso sherry.

The palate is rich and concentrated, full bodied with moderate sweetness.

Delicious raisin chocolate at the front and end with figs and coffee aftertaste.

How Much? £22.00 Cambridge Wine Merchants, Harrods, Handford Wines.

Zachary Yu