Itsy-bitsy, baby sized Brancott Estate bubbly! Yep, these are the mini 200ml size bottles of the wine listed in NZ Listener’s “Top 50” sparkling wines not so long ago. Writing that column was Michael Cooper who said – “There’s a lot to like about this bottle-fermented blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, including its sharp price”. There’s not many NZ wine producers out there able to make quality fizz and bang it out at low, low prices. But Brancott are one of them and their Brancott Estate Brut Cuvee is sheer bang for buck bubbly at its best. Brancott are one of Marlborough’s pioneer producers and lay claim to NZ’s first Sauvignon Blanc (in 1975 – pop quiz question right there for ya!). They’ve used some of their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes to produce this classic bottle fermented sparkling. Cooper loved its “complexity and a smooth, dryish finish“. The perfect size to fill individual flutes or dish them out to guests as the welcome fizz at the next party, event or soirée. The palate is sweetly-fruited, with strawberry, ripe red cherry and plum on an elegant, medium weight body. The tannins are supple and integrated, and the red fruit and spicy oak flavours persist on the finish. 200ml sized Piccolos of Brancott Estate’s Brut Cuvee 4 Stars (Michael Cooper), Silver medal (New World Wine Awards 2019) Alcohol – 12.0% ABV Non Vintage, Marlborough New Zealand
