Sparkling heart

Marisco Diamond Heart Blanc de Blancs 2019, Waihopai, Marlborough, NZD $40

Made primarily with fruit from Leefield Station, this 100% chardonnay méthode traditionnelle was fermented in both stainless steel and old wood, undergoing full malolactic fermentation while ageing for seven months to give a softer mouth-feel. It sat in bottle on lees for three years before disgorgement with a liberal 7.6 g/l of dosage. For a vintage sparkling wine, it is ready to drink out of the gate.

Persistent bead. Soft and mouth-filling flavours of just-ripe apple, citrus pith and beeswax lighting up the palate before phenolics close in around the off-dry finish. A friendly and fruity style with just enough development complexity to avoid being simple. (Diam)

Score: 93 ★★★★ – view original tasting note

Alcohol: 12.5%

Ageing: now to 2029

Food: woodfire pizza with oyster mushrooms, spinach on a cream chive base

Stockists: Marisco Vineyards; Super Liquor stores (NZ)