Everybody needs a go-to party bubbly ... and I mean everybody. Of course there is the cheap stuff, but at my discerning age you need a bit of quality but without going overboard. Watching your best French stuff being guzzled by a bourbon & coke lover just isn't the way to go. So, this is where quality Australian bubbly comes in to play.
But, first the week that was. IT'S BACK ... full lockdown has hit Sydney once again with the Delta strain of Covid cutting a nasty swathe through the inner suburbs of Sydney, and spreading west. To compound this, our PM ScoMo doesn't seem to know who should get what vaccine and when. But there was some bright news for NSW rugby league fans with the Blues smashing their Queensland rivals 26-0 in Townsville.
So, to the main event at this week's Friday Night Bubbles ... the wine. And, this week we return to an old favourite ... Croser NV.
Created in the Adelaide Hills, Croser non vintage is a really good little drop, especially when you realise the quality you are getting for between $20 and $30 and it being available at almost any bottle shop in Australia.
As I alluded to earlier, Croser NV is the perfect sparkling wine for an event attended by people of mixed ages, tastes and refinement (I hate that word but I couldn't think of another to describe the difference between lovers of $5 fuzzy and $50+ fabulous).
It ticks all of the boxes ... looks good, smells good, feels good, tastes good and is excellent value. It's not my favourite Oz bubbly but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
So connoisseurs , let's firstly take a look at the pour. Croser NV is a frothy, effervescent pour and takes a few breaks from pouring before it sits nicely in the glass. To me it has an almost pinkish look as you pour it, but as you can see in the pictures, I must have been imagining things because in the glass it is a nice light golden colour.
The nose (or smell) is not that powerful but has hints of dried apricots.
The taste is really pleasant and light. It has the "tickle your nose" factor that my wife enjoys with the first mouthful. I stress I am no expert (ie wine snob) but the taste hints of dried apricots, peach or maybe a little berry.
So, what do the experts say (after all they know infinitely more than me about this). The makers Petaluma website describes Croser NV as such:
"Petaluma Croser sparkling wine is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, bringing a delightfully fresh and zesty bouquet of citrus and stone fruits, with a subtle undercurrent of yeastiness. Incredibly bubbly, with a long-lasting dry finish."
Not over the top at all, and close to my interpretation, apart from my ridiculous berry comment.
In summary, a case Croser is the perfect Aussie party starter, especially at a festive summer event. In this current lockdown period, a bottle of Croser NV is perfect for toasting Aussie sporting triumphs, hopefully including a few golds at the Olympic Games, with your fellow householders (over 18 years of age of course).
Report Card: An effervescent and popular student who contributes well in class discussions. Results would indicate the student is of above average standard and is knocking on the door of the top achievers.