By Fergal Gleeson
At the beach, by the pool, on a sun lounger this summer you want a wine that’s crisp and refreshing! Find some great seasonal ideas from everyday wines to those for life’s special occasions.
Sparkling
Aravina Estate 2018 A Collection Sparkling Chenin Blanc RRP $45
A beautiful method traditionelle from Aravina made from Chenin Blanc. It’s lively and fresh courtesy of the high quality fruit with green apple flavours coming though. This impressed at a recent lunch I hosted. Great alternative to Champagne for your next celebration.
Aravina Estate is a well- known tourist destination in Margaret River, apart from the cellar door there is a restaurant, sports car gallery, a kitchen garden and the West Australian Surf Gallery. Also try their Limited Release Range.
Streicker 2015 Blanc De Blancs RRP $45
Streicker’s method traditionelle sparkling is made from 100% Chardonnay picked early to retain acid freshness. This has lovely brioche flavours courtesy of 30 months spent on lees, far longer than most Australian sparkling wine.
It’s rounder and softer than Champagne but a delight. Clairault Streicker’s range of wines achieved excellent results in the 2020 Halliday Wine Companion and they have consistent medal success at wine shows. Cellar door open daily, tours and café on site.
www.clairaultstreickerwines.com.au
Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon
Houghton Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019 RRP $15
Houghton is one of Western Australia’s most iconic wineries, founded by three British army officers in 1836. They’ve just released a new Reserve Range which includes a Cabernet, Shiraz, Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc. The Reserves sit above the Houghton Stripe range and are priced at a modest $15.
The Sauvignon Blanc has a tropical nose with a little spice. The wine is bright, refreshing and nicely weighted. It’s a lovely summer wine that is very moreish. Also look out for their Wisdom Range sourced from single regions including Margaret River Cabernet and Pemberton Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Windows Estate Petit Lot Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018 RRP $29
Windows is a small family owned winery that make wines which are distinctive and considered. They hold a 5 Star Halliday rating and will be certified organic from December 2019. The philosophy is that great wines are made in the vineyard and they try to do things differently to the larger commercial wineries.
There’s a liveliness and vibrancy to this wine that forces you to take notice. The citrus flavours that shine through are added to by a sensitive use of oak. Red lovers look out for the 2017 Violette, 2017 Syrah and 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. Part of the “Small Family Wine Trail”. Cellar Door open daily offering many wine tasting experiences.
Juniper Estate Aquitaine Blanc 2017 RRP $33
One of the small band of Sauvignon Semillons that is barrel aged (in this case for 10 months). The oak provides richness and depth adding to the intense lemon and lime flavours. Chardonnay lovers will appreciate the complexity and age worthiness but there’s plenty of fun to be had now! Just don’t over chill!
Juniper Estate is one of the region’s oldest wineries. It’s partner Aquitaine Rouge is also delicious. The Juniper Cellar Door won the 2019 award for ‘Best Large Cellar Door in Margaret River’ from Gourmet Traveller Wine. It is open daily.
Fraser Gallop Parterre Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018 RRP $35
Winemaker Clive Otto has designed a sophisticated SSB that’s a cut above the norm. The varietals are blended in almost equal amounts, wild fermented and aged in new and used oak barrels. The oak enhances rather than distracts in a wine where the fruit soars above the winemaking elements.
It’s a style of wine inspired by great white Bordeaux that takes SSB to the levels of barrel fermented Chardonnay. The other wines in the Parterre range – Cabernet and Chardonnay are also exceptional. Cellar door open daily. Weekend tours start at 10am. Keep an eye on the website as they hold regular events.
http://www.frasergallopestate.com.au
From Your Margaret River Region Magazine
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