Wines

2017 RIKARD Blanc de Blancs

$70.00
$59.50

Our 2017 Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from a high altitude vineyard in the Orange Wine Region.

The 2017 Vintage was a relatively cool one and produced fabulous Chardonnay for sparkling wines given the abundant natural acidity and long, slow ripening period.

A complex and interesting nose. Shows lemon tart and meringue with some toast and creamed honey. On the palate there’s a beautiful balance between acidity, fruit-sweetness and textural elements. There’s a freshness to the wine which shows pithy, grapefruit fruit characters on top of short-crust pastry and roasted nuts. Grainy in the mouth and finishes dry and a little saline.

479 in stock

Description

We draw our inspiration for our sparklings from the “grower-style” wines of France. Sustainable winegrowing, minimal intervention winemaking, and a focus on the finished product being a fine wine of complexity and interest first and foremost – the bubbles being just another component to enhance their flavours.

 

We harvest fruit with a degree of extra ripeness for a more full-bodied palate. We utilise endemic, “wild” yeast strains for complexity. We ferment in old oak barrels and stir the wines during maturation for added texture. Long maturation brings more complexity and that lovely biscuity, toasty character you associate with great sparklings. These are wines that are best poured into large glasses, swirled and sniffed and savoured not too cold, and they’re wines which will age well.

 

Our 2017 Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from a high altitude vineyard in the Orange Wine Region.

 

The 2017 Vintage was a relatively cool one and produced fabulous Chardonnay for sparkling wines given the abundant natural acidity and long, slow ripening period.

 

The base wine was made and matured over 12 months, with fermentation undertaken by wild yeasts in old French oak barriques. Second fermentation underwent in bottle and then was allowed to rest en tirage for 58 months before disgorgement and the addition of 2g/L dosage liqueur (which included a minute amount of Armagnac for added nuttiness and complexity).

Reviews

This is a success in complexity refreshment factor, vigorous bubbles and general sense of character. It does the premium, rich and powerful vintage style well with lots of toasty patisserie nuance amongst the green apple and salty-minerally notes. Layers and layers of fizz. Lush, potent and yet that thrust of acidity does huge things for refreshment factor. Very enjoyable and fancy feeling.” 94 points.

 

 Mike Bennie for Wine Business Magazine

 

“I didn’t see a lot of fizz when in Orange but this Blanc de Blanc was very clever and not a bad breakfast wine for my 9am tasting! But my gosh, the complexity will wrap you up and not let go. Yum!

All the work has gone into this… Barrel fermentation, lees stirring, 58 months on lees. Layered and so very captivating, I loved the nutty drive – almonds and fine cashews all the way. Lemon slice and lemon meringue drive a hard bargain. The fruit gives the impression it is slightly riper with white peach and grapefruit sliding into the frame. From a cooler year, the textural feels are immense. And the length! Wow. Long and persistent, there is a great line of acidity here too. Terrific festive gear.” 94 points

 

Steve Leszczynski for QWine