Sixty-Second Swirl by Brent Lello, Yass Valley Times Wine Columnist
Bubbly wines are naturally associated with celebration. We see it splashed across our screens on the winner’s podium or as the first passes the post. But bubbly wines are not just about French Champagne or traditionally made sparkling wines here in Australia. There’s an increasingly popular style of bubbles in the Aussie market today – the Prosecco style. While the European Union argues the toss that we should not be calling such wines made in Australia “Prosecco”, our wine producers are getting on with business and delivering to the wine-drinking public a deliciously different drop that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly stylish. One of the Yass Valley region’s best producers of the style is the team at Shaw Wines and the subject of this week’s “swirl” – the Shaw Wines Prosecco NV – is an exceptional example of the style done well. This wine has a bright and bubbly personality and is stylish without taking itself too seriously.
This wine is a pale gold colour in the glass with a white gold edge and a finely tuned bead of bubbles. A swirl delivers vivid aromas of freshly cut green apple, lime zest and lemon sherbet. The palate is zesty and zingy with flavours of apple, citrus and green melon. There’s a satisfyingly subtle sweetness that’s in balance with the lovely line and length of acidity and a fine tingle on the tongue.
We enjoyed ours as an aperitif – a sparkly starter to a night of celebration. This wine would go with a spicy Thai prawn and noodle salad or tempura seafood, well-seasoned with a shake of freshly zested lemon and lime. Our bottle was sourced directly from the friendly and knowledgeable team at the super-impressive cellar door, but you can also buy online for $29.
