2018 Garagiste Merricks Cuvée de Coeur

WINEMAKER: Barnaby Flanders
REGION: Mornington Peninsula, VIC
VARIETAL: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Sustainable

When it comes to the great sparkling wines of the world, Flanders knows his onions, and with a palate that likes a little blanc de noirs, it’s no surprise that he turned to Merricks Pinot Noir as the source. Garagiste’s first harvest for a sparkling base took place roughly two weeks before the Merricks vineyard table wines, Barney picking with both depth of flavour and freshness in mind. In the shed, fruit was slowly whole-bunch pressed directly to old barriques for a wild ferment with no temperature control. Post-primary it was kept on full solids for eight months.

Floral and red-fruited, it is utterly reminiscent of true blanc de noirs styles with the accompanying energizing acidity, abundant mineral tones (river pebbles and mountain streams) and a thirst-inducing close—a perfect aperitif style. This is a terrific wine, with far more sophistication than you might expect at this price.