Gift Box – Margrain Vineyard ‘La Michelle’ Methode Traditionelle +/- Glasses

What is it that makes sparkling wine so special? In basic terms, it is the bubble! A slow and steady release of CO2, trapped during secondary fermentation in the bottle gives the sensation of freshness and the appearance that the wine is alive in the mouth. Wine glass choice is critical to the success of this strategy and the contemporary flute, with its narrow base and small surface area is ideal to enhance the life of the bubbles. The “Coupe” or saucer glass, reputedly modelled on the breast of Marie Antoinette certainly is sexy but allows the bubbles to dissipate quickly. Fortunately, it holds but a small volume so must be replenished often!

Following a full 30 months resting on lees in the bottle, the wine brings pleasure and pain as it bursts forth stinging the nose and carrying the primary fruit characters of tayberry, glace cherry and soft rose petal florals before diving into a raft of more important secondary aromas. Sticky gingerbread and hot buttered popcorn aromas impart a tangible opulence while charcoal-roasted macadamia nuts and almond biscotti attest to the full yeast autolysis. Finally, complex notes of split kid leather and thick mushroom risotto build the expectation of how good the wine will taste.

Alive, Alive’O, the palate opens fair, fat and wide as it dances like the sugar plum fairy on a tightly coiled double helix of clean acidity. The combination of tartness and foam swirl around the mouth like a tidal wash in a south coast rock pool, cleansing the taste buds with the efficiency of lime sorbet. Tangy lime marmalade and piquant feijoa skin lead on to creamed sweetcorn, crunchy hokey pokey and the reassuring flavours of bread and butter pudding. There is a smooth and almost oily texture, reminiscent of a lawyer in a pinstripe suit which imparts a mischievous yet convincing quality to the argument.

As usual, the wine is a blend of 2/3 Pinot Noir and 1/3 Chardonnay, drawing on the best of both varieties.

• Vintage: 2015
• Vineyard: Margrain Vineyard
• Region: Wairarapa

Beautifully presented in a stained environmentally friendly timber box complete with two champagne flute glasses or presented in a stained environmentally friendly timber box with a perspex lid (no glasses).

This comes presented on a bed of wood wool which will encase your product and ensure safe delivery.

All purchases come with a complimentary gift card. Once a product has been added, a message can be entered on the cart page before checkout.