PRODUCT : Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Brut
This is Chardonnay with fizz. It has a feel of a special occasion and would certainly be a decent substitute to Prosecco or a Champagne although the price point won’t sway you towards this. At around £10-£14 it’s not as good value for money as Oyster Bay wines are renowned for.
As we know Prosecco and Champagne are DOP certified so no other regions in the world can call a wine with bubbles either prosecco or champagne. So sparkling wine is the next best label.
This little number hails from Hawkes Bay region in an area called the Gimblett Gravels and is made with the Charmat method using 100% Chardonnay grapes which means that after a primary fermentation at 14 degrees for several weeks, it is then injected with yeast and popped into a pressure tank for a further fermentation to help produce those delicate light bubbles. (A process that is used for the likes of Prosecco).
Read my review on their Sauvignon Blanc wine here
OYSTER BAY SPARKLING CUVEE REVIEW
On the nose : As with all Chardonnay’s you’ll pick up aromas of bread and yeast; I picked up hints of biscuit. It’s fruity and you’ll smell citrus and apple.
On the palate : This is not a complex fizz and the bubbles are quite crude. It has a medium acidity with very little sweetness and you’ll taste green apple, lemon and pear.
I did enjoy this wine and thought it went down extremely well with a box of boozy chocs and some Chilli crisps on a wee night away in St Andrews. This wine does pair well with spicy food as the acidity will cut through the spices.
Would I buy this again? Yes but only if it was on special.
My Spoon Award : Bronze Spoon 7/10