Tasmanian Sparkling Is Your New Favorite
There are only a handful of places in the world truly suited to producing world-class sparkling wine. Champagne is the benchmark; California, New Mexico, and even Massachusetts had their minute; England has become the latest darling, and then there's Tasmania. The difference between English bubbles and Tasmanian is that unlike many excellent English sparkling wines that now command Champagne prices, Tasmania still offers remarkable value.
Tasmania sits farther south than Champagne sits north, making it one of the coolest wine regions in the world. That latitude, combined with the influence of the Southern Ocean and Roaring 40s winds, allows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to ripen slowly while preserving the bright, racy acidity that defines great traditional method sparkling wine. The result is a beautifully classic, Champagne-inspired style with freshness, precision, and remarkable elegance.
Jansz has led Tasmania's sparkling wine movement for decades. Produced primarily from Pinot Noir with Chardonnay, the Premium Rosé is made using the traditional method and spends extended time on its lees before disgorgement, developing both finesse and complexity.
The wine offers vibrant strawberry, raspberry, blood orange, and rose petal aromas layered over subtle brioche and toasted almond. The mousse is fine, the finish crisp and mineral, and the balance is exceptional.
For anyone who enjoys Champagne—or has been curious about England's sparkling wines but hesitant at the prices—this is one of the smartest bottles you can buy. It delivers serious craftsmanship, genuine regional character, and outstanding value in a category where prices continue to climb.
93 Points, Decanter
Plenty of effervescence in the glass, with a nose fuelled by watermelon pith, freeze-dried strawberries, oatcake, a little sourdough, a skittering of fried herbs, peach skin, and a freshly crushed seashell note. All rather inviting. There’s succulent flesh on the palate, though this is not an opulent wine; it‘s one of freshness with crisp and crunch, yet an underlying fruit weight that holds attention. Fine chalky phenolics slip over the palate, held in place with a line of silvery acidity. What follows is shoulder-dropping joy and a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. A cracking traditional method wine at its price point. Good length too. 18 months tirage in this Pinot Noir dominant blend. (CC)