Funkelpunkt Sparkling, 2018

Aromatic Aussie small-batch sparkling wine, packed with tropical fruit freshened by a spritz of lime and with pure minerality on the finish. Dry, crisp and refreshing.

Meet the maker: Chaffey Bros Wine Co

Region: Eden Valley, South Australia – Australia

Grape(s): Riesling (76.3%), Kerner (20.6%), Gewürztraminer (3.1%)

11.5% ABV / 750ml / Vegetarian / Vegan

Viticulture:

From the revered Fechner Bros. vineyard in the Northern Eden Valley. The Fechner Bros. have the only Kerner vineyard in Australia after they encountered the Riesling cross-breed during a visit to Germany in 2003.

The vineyard is adjacent to a limestone quarry. The vines grow through a layer of clay into limestone bedrock, which underpins the aromatic impact of the Germanic white varieties.

A prevailing breeze keeps the vineyard dry, which allows for a light-handed approach to weed/disease control.

Winemaking:

The two major components, Riesling and Kerner, are hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed in order to minimise phenolic impact.

The Gewürztraminer, however, is machine harvested and given about 24 hours skin contact in order to accentuate varietal aromatic impact.

Both primary and secondary fermentation (Charmat method) were undertaken in delicate temperature controlled inox fermenters without the use of sulphur or other additions.

Finally, a modest dosage was added for texture and body.

Bottled unfined and with minimal sulphur addition.