Bellarmine Aris Sparkling Rose NV

Great story behind this wine. It was made for the winemaker’s daughter Arís when she was 12 to enjoy after her 18th birthday. Mainly chardonnay, with just a touch of pinot noir for its salmon pink edge, the wine was then left on lees for seven years – is there any other sparkling wine in Western Australia with this length of bottle aging before release? That aging has certainly imparted plenty of character with layer after layer of French pastry complexity a delicious part of the overall package.

Despite its age, this wine is still quite youthful and bright. Pale salmon pink, it is packed full of white strawberry with chalky citrus fruits. Acidity is the driving force on the palate making for a tight, fresh, zesty and slightly angular style. Length is good which would make this wine a delicious aperitif for any occasion.