Marlborough's first Prosecco was released this year, just in time for the festive season and made entirely from the Glera grape, only in this case it was given bottle fermentation which adds depth of flavour and sets it aside from most commercial prosecco on the market. This also raises the cost of production and of the new wine, 2023 Balvonie Prosecco, which has an RRP of $34.99.
The new wine is the result of a three year project for brand owners Ben and Helen McLauchlan, who planted Glera grape in their Rapaura vineyard in Blenheim after falling in love with Prosecco while living in the United Kingdom.
Glera has a loose bunch architecture and the McLauchlans say they have seen no disease, which helps greatly in a maritime growing climate, even one as dry as Marlborough typically is. The grape buds early and has a long growing season, with harvest dates typically about the same time as Sauvignon Blanc, says Ben.
Italian Prosecco
Glera is the queen of Italian prosecco and must by law make up 85% of the blend, with other permitted varieties being Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera Lunga and international varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir.
Glera in Marlborough
Balvonie Prosecco is made from vine cuttings imported from Italy and propagated by Ormond Nurseries in Marlborough.
"I believe Glera is well suited to our growing conditions, the long, cool ripening period allows full flavour development and the vine is vigorous, producing a good crop load,” says Marcus Wickham, Ormond Nurseries General Manager.
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17.5/20
Balvonie Prosecco RRP $34.99
Hand picked Glera grapes were fermented into a still wine which was fermented in stainless steel to retain fruit freshness and then given a second fermentation in bottle, using the classic méthode traditionnelle style, which adds depth, body and weight to the wine. Fresh hints of lemon, green apples and green pears bring bright fresh flavours to this wine, which gains complexity from yeast lees influence during its second fermentation in bottle.
This is a complex sparkling wine at an affordable price for the high quality it delivers.
