Unico Zelo

Troppo Sparkling Chardonnay

'Troppo', Italian for 'too much', is a reference to the glut of great fruit in Australia available to purchase since markets have not been kind to this incredible wine region. Unico Zelo makes a number of these beautiful sippers that deliver beyond their price point time and again. The Sparkling Chardonnay is one of my go to's — I grab a bottle from the basement on my way to a party or bbq and crack it with abandon so everyone can have a splash of a real wine made real well before getting into it. It's the kind of wine that reminds you why Chardonnay holds the throne. An effortless beauty, incredibly well balanced, clean, fresh, juicy, and immensely likeable.

Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Appellation: Fleurieu Peninsula

Varietal/Blend: 100% Chardonnay

ABV: 11.4%

Vineyard: Unico Zelo Troppo Sparkling Chardonnay is sourced from Adelaide Hills vineyards at 200 meters altitude. Grown in a moderate Mediterranean climate on loam and buckshot clay over limestone, the fruit was harvested from February 12th.

Cellar: For this wine, the grapes are directly pressed to stainless steel and fermented using the Charmat Method for freshness and vibrancy. Then, it is bottle aged with an 8g/L dosage and finished under crown cap for lively sparkle.

CSPC: 885961

Winemakers Note: Charmat method Blanc de Blanc. First crack at the Fleurieu Peninsula and we're pretty wrapped on the result. The Adelaide Hills legend Brian Croser identified this years ago as a suitable growing area for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay All the white nectarine, lime zest and lemon juice you've come to expect from this wine, despite the regional change (turns out this Brian Croser bloke is pretty smart). Salty mineral licks and a nice green apple tang. Great texture. It does exactly what it should.

What the Critics are saying: []