From Uluru rising out of the red sands as the heart of the great continent, to the Great Barrier Reef, Katherine Gorge and countless other iconic and often isolated landscapes, Australia is loaded with subtle and dramatic beauty.  Our next wine comes from a location with such beauty that is not as familiarly Australian.  Located 240 kilometers south of the mainland, the eighth state/territory has as contrasting a feel as America’s Hawai’i.  There are temperate forests, mountains to climb and four distinct seasons, complete with much flora and fauna completely unique to the island.  Nearly half of the island is protected for its natural beauty, and it is duly called “The Natural State”.

Tasmania isn’t heavily populated, much like the mainland, but if you like to eat and drink there are some of the most exciting changes happening in all of Australia.  The farm-to-table movement is in full swing, boasting small artisanal cheese producers, single malt whiskey distilleries, craft brewers, amazing honey collectors and, not least, fine wine production.  The wine industry in Tasmania has deep roots, but the current form is quite a recent resurgence.  Bucking the expectation of ripe and full-bodied wines from Australia, Tazzy produces delicate Pinot Noirs, crisp whites and Australia’s best sparkling wines. 

Among the wine styles most suitable for the island, sparkling wine has the biggest potential to truly be world-class.  The famous Champagne house of Louis Roederer recognized this fact in 1986 and teamed up with the producer, now known as Jansz, to produce Tasmania’s first premium vintage sparkling wine.  Now producing sparkling of their own accord in the time-honored traditional method, Jansz is a top Australian producer.  We are excited to present one of their top wines from a single vintage that gained extra complexity from its barrel fermentation and long aging in the bottle with the yeasts.

This sparkling wine is dry, with refreshing richness.  There is a light stony character in the nose with lightly honeyed pear and brioche.  Ripe citrus, lightly roasted cashews and a round mouth-watering finish.  Cheers to the new year!.

Enjoy!