At Victorian Alps Wine Co. we are excited to unveil the latest release from our Hidden Story range – the Hidden Story NV Chardonnay Pinot Noir. This sparkling wine is more than just a bottle of bubbles; it is a celebration of Victoria’s rich winemaking heritage and a testament to the diverse terroirs that make this region one of Australia’s finest for producing exceptional wines.
Each Hidden Story wine is crafted with care and passion, designed to tell the story of Victoria’s vibrant winemaking landscape. Each wine in the range showcases the unique characteristics of Victoria’s grape-growing regions, from sun-drenched valleys to cool-climate hillsides, capturing the distinct sense of place and expressing it in every glass.
Our Hidden Story NV Chardonnay Pinot Noir began by handpicking the fruit during the cool mornings of late February and early March. Harvesting at the perfect ripeness – between 10.8 and 11.2° baumé – allowed us to capture the crisp freshness and vibrancy of the grapes.
Once harvested, the fruit was gently pressed and underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures to preserve the wine’s delicate fruit character. To add depth and complexity, we kept the wine on yeast lees, with weekly stirring to enhance the texture while maintaining its freshness.
The secondary fermentation, conducted slowly at 14°C using the Charmat method, naturally retains the wine’s CO2, resulting in a fine mousse and a delicate, persistent sparkle. A final touch of expedition liquor rounds out the wine, creating a harmonious balance between fruit, acidity, and structure.
The secret behind this sparkling wine’s complexity lies in the blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Chardonnay brings elegance, acidity, and fresh citrus notes, while Pinot Noir adds structure, body, and layers of complexity. To achieve balance and consistency, we blend the current vintage with up to five previous vintages of reserve wine, ensuring each bottle of our NV sparkling is as nuanced as it is refined.
On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of citrus, peach blossoms, and lifted strawberry, with subtle hints of nectarine and roasted cashew adding depth. The palate is just as refined, with a persistent, creamy mousse and a bright, focused acidity that carries through to a long, balanced finish.
Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with food, this sparkling wine is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with creamy Camembert cheese or seared scallops in herb butter, making it the perfect choice for any special occasion.
Cheers to new beginnings and sparkling stories waiting to be discovered!
Available now - Hidden Story NV Chardonnay Pinot Noir