The Sutton Grange Fairbank Ancestrale Sparkling Rosé is a blend of Viognier and Shiraz made in the Pet Nat style (pétillant naturel).
I always approach these Pet Nats with caution - PPE, safety goggles, non-slip footwear - the works. You never know what will escape from the bottle, nor how much. Assuredly, this one was very well-behaved. Potentially one of the best! Phew!
A slight orange hue with a good bead to welcome the eye. It's a sparkling that possesses some density to its frame and a most respectable length. Mandarin, tangelo, white peach, red apple plus peaches and cream offer plenty of interest aromatically but things flatten out on the palate. A green tea-like texture unfurls, but in all, it is pretty straightforward without the bells and whistles. This was tasted in isolation but I suspect it may improve beside food.
88/100
Region: Bendigo
