Lake Chalice ‘PLUME’ Méthode Traditionnelle NV
Grape Varietals: 68% Chardonnay & 32% Pinot Noir
Growing Region: Marlborough - New Zealand
Head Winemaker: Chloe Gabrielsen
The Plume range looks to bring a different perspective to fine wines. The core idea comes from the link between the feather and the land, the people and the environment. These wines celebrate an attention to detail, where simplicity and complexity are at one with each other. The Plume label was first launched with a stunning 2016 Chardonnay and after achieving international acclaim, there is now a Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir in the range, with this Méthode now part of this select expression of wine.
The fruit for this new release was sourced primarily from the stone and sand alluvium mixture found along Rapaura Road. It is a blend of 68% Chardonnay and 32% Pinot Noir and from vineyards that have some 20-year-old vines. The fruit was hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed, with the free run Chardonnay juice fermented in stainless steel tank followed by a controlled malolactic fermentation, with its own lees stirred regularly. The Pinot Noir was lightly pressed and cool fermented in seasoned French oak barriques and allowed to mature on its lees until the blending of this non-vintage wine, and ready for tirage. The bottle fermentation stage took place over three months then the bottles were rested for a minimum of 30 months, until being disgorged and the liqueur d’expedition added.
★ A vibrant pale gold straw colour with small-medium-sized beading. The charming mouse gently elevates aromas of freshly baked bread, almond biscotti, basket apples and a subtle note of citrus. This méthode steps out onto your palate with a gracefully landing. Crafted nice and simple, it nonchalantly reveals an appealing depth of character and a versatile nature. Celebrating those mixed apples, biscuit notes, ripe melon and a thin seam of minerality and dusting of chalk through the middle and leading to a clean upbeat dismount.
This Lake Chalice ‘PLUME’ Méthode Traditionnelle NV has 11% Alc./vol. A Brut Style with a dosage of 6g/L. Chill gently and serve in a tulip shared flute or a light-aromatic shaped wine glass at 8°- 10°C • *NZ$60.00
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 9/12/24)
Drinking perfectly this festive, summer season; plus, should hold nicely for another 4 - 5 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with oysters, crayfish, stuffed-crab, scallops, calamari, sashimi, herb-steamed fish, chicken Ceasar salad, pumpkin gnocchi, sweet pea & lemon risotto, along with an creamy camembert & crusty bread - enjoy.
