Sidewood Cassandra Blanc de Blancs 2016

While the rest of the Sidewood Sparkling releases contain varying percentages of Pinot Noir, this is their varietal Chardonnay variation from the estate Mappinga Road blocks in Oakbank, given the royal treatment with part new oak fermentation, 14 months in barrel, part lees stirred, bottle fermented with total lees contact time of five years, and a small dosage only amounting to 3.5gm/litre. All this adds up to a complex aperitif style, more focused on the citrus side of the Chardonnay variety, crisp, refreshing, yet with enough of its traditional method complexities to suggest the oyster shell and cream bun elements that top-class Chardonnay joyously delivers. Delightful summer festive drinking – nay, all year round.  

Tony Love

Journalist at Winepilot

Tony is best known for his 10 years as News Corp’s National Wine Writer, with weekly columns in major metropolitan mastheads throughout Australia including The Adelaide Advertiser, The Sydney Daily Telegraph and the Melbourne Herald Sun. He continues to write feature articles and columns for all the major Australian wine media publications. Tony has also worked as a restaurant reviewer, section editor, book editor, digital content provider, journalism teacher and was named Wine Communicators of Australia 2018 Legend of the Vine (SA). Find out more about Tony at tonylove.com.au

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