Cheers to Lindauer as Rosé wins Champion Bubbles

GOLDEN GRAPES: Lindauer head winemaker Jane De Witt among the vines. Lindauer's Special Reserve Rosé sparkling wine won Gold and Champon Bubbles in the New World Wine Awards. File picture

Gisborne grapes are again the toast of the town.

The Top 50 wines in the New World Wine Awards have been named and they include three with Gisborne roots, as well as the title of Champion Bubbles for Lindauer's Special Reserve Rosé.

“A few factors contribute to the success of the Lindauer Special Reserve Rosé, including the grapes, the fermentation process and the winemakers,” Lindauer Head winemaker Jane De Witt said.

“Sparkling wine takes time to evolve and the evolution and intricacies of creating this wine is both complex and rewarding.

“It was crafted from the very best grapes destined for sparkling in the Gisborne and the Hawke's Bay region to ensure the best possible pour.

“The grapes were harvested early in the season to ensure they have the right balance of acidity and ripeness.

“The Special Reserve Rosé is a blend of Chardonnay and pinot noir, with a touch of pinotage.

“The Chardonnay gives a nice citrus, creamy finesse. The pinot noir adds subtle berry nuances, complexity and structure, and the pinotage adds depth and the delightful colour.

“In keeping with long-standing French winemaking techniques, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle, and it is here that the magic happens, as the time spent on yeast lees changes the aromatics and flavour profile, bringing more complexity to the sparkling wine.

“That biscuity, creamy character we all know and love in Champagne-style wines is largely down to this.

“And in line with these traditions, all Lindauer Special Reserve wines spend a minimum of two years on yeast lees before being bottled, ensuring quality with every sip, making the Lindauer Special Reserve Rosé a well deserving choice for the Gold and Champion Bubbles wine at the New World Wine Awards

“An enticing delicate pink, this rosé has a depth of flavour of berries, red apple and brioche. As a drier sparkling, it pairs perfectly with sweet and savoury, making it the ideal choice for any occasion.”

Other Gisborne-grown grapes contributed to the Top 50 winning wines through Verde Brut, The Jules Rosé 2021 and Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Pinot Gris 2021.

It took three days of “blind” judging, conducted in Blenheim prior to the recent lockdown, to find the best wines among more than 1100 entries.