Sparkling

Awarded trophy for Best Sparkling Wine at 2025 Tumbarumba Wine Show

An exceptional and complex wine that embodies the meticulous winemaking process and the unique qualities of the region. Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit sourced from the Tumbarumba wine region, from the 2022 vintage and left on tirage for almost 3 full years before disgorgement.

Here's how our 2022 Dalliance presents:

1. Region Terroir: Tumbarumba is known for its cool climate, the terroir in this region imparts notes of freshness, minerality, and a crisp acidity to the wine.

2. Grapes: The blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is a classic combination for sparkling wine production. Chardonnay contributes elegance, acidity, and a hint of green apple and citrus, while Pinot Noir adds body, subtle red fruit notes, and complexity along the finish. 

3. Tirage Aging: Aging the wine on tirage (lees) for almost 3 years is a significant step in traditional method sparkling wine production. During this time, the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which can result in greater complexity, creaminess, and a subtle brioche-like aroma due to autolysis, the breakdown of yeast cells.

4. Flavour Profile: Given the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend and the tirage aging, you can expect a well-balanced acidity, crispness, and light body but with full effervescence. The flavour profile includes notes of green apple, citrus, red berries, and possibly hints of toast or brioche from the lees aging.

5. Aroma: Hints of fresh fruits, floral notes, and the brioche or toasted bread notes. 

6. Mouthfeel: The extended lees aging imparts a creamy and velvety texture to the wine, with a persistent mousse (bubbles) that carries the flavours and aromas through the palate.

Overall, our Dalliance from Tumbarumba, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from the 2022 vintage offers a harmonious balance of fruitiness, acidity, and complexity, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the nuances of well-crafted sparkling wines.

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Grown and harvested in the cold climate heights of Tumbarumba, this sparkling wine is a testament to the nuances of great Australian wine making. Made with a small amount of Pinot Noir Red wine, this Chardonnay Pinot base build on the success and heritage of our iconic Dalliance Sparkling.

These sparkling challenges the concepts and designs of what we call a modern rose. The desire for a pale, dry rose is stripped back to its finest levels. Resting on triage for three years, this method style sparkling features a fine creamy bead and gentle citrus flavours perfect for celebrations.

Shiraz, known as Syrah in some parts of the world, is celebrated for its rich and robust character, and when transformed into a sparkling wine, it offers a delightful and effervescent twist.

The climate and terroir of the Hunter Valley play a significant role in shaping the characteristics of the Shiraz grapes grown there. The region's warm climate, combined with its unique soil composition, contributes to the development of ripe and concentrated flavours in the grapes.

In terms of tasting notes, our Cardinal exhibits the following characteristics:

1. Colour: Deep, intense ruby red with vibrant hues.
2. Aromas: Aromas of dark berries such as blackberries and mulberries, along with notes of black cherries and plums. Subtle undertones of pepper, and a hint of oak are present.
3. Palate: The palate showcases a balance between the ripe fruit flavours and the lively effervescence. Juicy black fruits, accompanied by a touch of dark chocolate and a subtle earthy undertone. The characteristic spiciness of Shiraz is softened in this wine’s profile.
4. Body and Structure: A medium bodied with well-integrated tannins that provide a smooth texture. The sparkling nature of the wine adds a refreshing and invigorating quality to the mouthfeel.
5. Finish: The finish is medium, leaving behind a lingering impression of dark fruit flavours and a hint of spice and sweetness.
6. Food Pairing: Cardinal can pair wonderfully with a range of dishes. Its bold flavours and effervescence make it a versatile choice that can complement hearty fare such as barbecued meats, game, roasted vegetables, and charcuterie. The wine's acidity and bubbles can help cut through rich and savory flavours.

Overall, Cardinal is made from Shiraz grapes grown in the Hunter Valley and offers a captivating fusion of the region's terroir-driven characteristics and the exuberance of sparkling wine production techniques. It's a wine that can make any occasion feel festive and memorable.

The sparkling wine crafted from Chardonnay grapes at Dalwood Estate in the Hunter Valley is a sparkling gem that exudes elegance and reflects the unique character of both the grape variety and the estate's terroir. Produced using the Charmat method, this sparkling wine offers a delightful and refreshing experience.

Upon pouring, the wine presents itself with effervescence that dances in the glass, capturing the eye and promising a lively tasting journey. The Charmat method, known for its ability to preserve the bright fruit flavors of the base wine, allows the Chardonnay grapes to shine through with their inherent vibrancy.

The aroma of this sparkling Chardonnay is inviting and uplifting. The Chardonnay grapes' signature characteristics are on full display, with notes of green apple, citrus, and possibly subtle hints of white flowers. These delicate aromas create an immediate sense of freshness and anticipation.

As the wine graces the palate, its effervescence continues to enchant. The Charmat method's secondary fermentation in tank contributes to a persistent and fine mousse that adds a delicate texture to each sip. The Chardonnay grapes' inherent fruitiness is mirrored on the palate, with the crisp acidity of the Hunter Valley shining through. The wine's flavors of green apple, lemon, and possibly hints of pear or stone fruit intertwine to create a harmonious and balanced taste profile.

The finish is clean and invigorating, leaving a trail of citrusy brightness that lingers on the palate. The wine's structure and acidity are likely to make it a versatile companion for various occasions, whether as an aperitif or paired with light and fresh dishes.