Brown Family Wine Group brand, Pirie Tasmania, has released its 2021 Vintage sparkling wine, a Méthode Traditionnelle cuvée produced from Tamar Valley fruit and matured for more than four years on lees prior to disgorgement.
Made from 51 per cent Chardonnay and 49 per cent Pinot Noir, the 2021 vintage reflects a cool-climate growing season in northern Tasmania, delivering high natural acidity and fruit purity suited to extended maturation. The wine is sourced from hand-picked parcels across the Tamar Valley and is produced only in select vintages.
Primary fermentation was conducted in tank, with approximately 20 per cent of the base wine matured on lees in seasoned French oak to build texture and complexity. Full malolactic fermentation was completed prior to tirage, followed by secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees ageing. The final dosage is 8 g/L.
The company stated the resulting wine presents lifted aromatics of lemon meringue and sea spray, with underlying brioche and cashew notes from time on lees. The palate shows a fine mousse, with flavours of lime peel and mineral talc supported by a tightly structured acid line and persistent finish.
Pirie head winemaker, Tom Wallace, said the company was thrilled to launch the 2021, following the outstanding success of the 2020 Pirie Vintage.
“It’s a wine that beautifully reflects both the purity of the Tamar Valley fruit and the patience required to craft great Tasmanian sparkling,” said Wallace.
Pirie Vintage 2021 is now available nationally through premium liquor retailers, online at pirietasmania.com.au and at the Tamar Ridge cellar door, for RRP $55.00.
