The pinnacle sparkling wine from the House of Seppelt, Salinger is made in the authentic Methode Champenoise tradition. Seppelt Salinger has grown from its beginnings in the early 1980s and now represents the benchmark Australian sparkling wine. Combining the classic sparkling wine grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, Seppelt winemakers craft an elegant and refined sparkling wine that also includes up to five per cent of aged reserve wines for added complexity. Importantly, the Salinger base wine is made from blending the best from each region, to optimise the wines quality. Seppelt Salinger is then left to develop in the famous underground cellars in 'The Drives' at Seppelt Great Western for two years prior to release.

Vineyard Region

Tumbarumba, Drumborg, Yarra Valley

Vintage Conditions

A cool, dry winter and light rains during the growing season resulted in intensely concentrated fruit, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Vintage was very successful with the quality of white grapes for the year 2000 being exceptionally high. Sparkling wines from this vintage represent finesse and elegance.

Grape Variety

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier

Maturation

Secondary fermentation occurred in the bottle; 2 years of bottle maturation on yeast lees. The wine was then disgorged in the traditional 'Champenoise' method.

Colour

Showing the distinctive elegance of Salinger, exhibiting a pale straw colour, fine bead and persistent mousse.

Nose

The nose is fresh, delicate and complex, combining lemony Chardonnay aromas and brioche-like, bottle-developed Pinot Noir characters. Fresh bread and biscuit aromas from extended maturation on yeast lees add a further dimension.

Palate

The palate has great balance and finesse along with creamy, malo-lactic fermentation properties, complex autolysis and complex Pinot development. The finish displays long, fine and intensive Pinot flavours along with a crisp and refreshing acidity.

Food Matches

Ideally suited to Aperitif, Seafood, Salad