Dec 2000 Volume 81 Number 12 "serving the protectors"
Christmas with Sparkling Wine
By Mark Altmann

AR Premium Wine Distributors has high standards and exceptional products. Company founder, Anthony Rocca, has seen the business grow into a highly-experienced wine distribution company. Through its dynamic approach, the company is now the sole distributor to many premium wineries, such as Beresford Wines, Stanley Brothers and Pirramimma.

One fruit-growing company that AR manages is Thomson Vintners of Waikerie. The estate was founded in 1838 by two hardy Scots, Walter and Jane Thomson. Their grandson, Ronald, moved to the serenity of Waikerie to recuperate after World War I. He established the Woolpunda Vineyard, which is now managed by his son Nick, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, and grandsons, Andrew and Don.

The vineyard - in the Murray Mallee - lies in terrain similar to the revered, chalky plain of Champagne in France. A top layer of terra rossa, ferruginous sandy soil produces wine grapes of amazing health and flavour. Two wines produced there are the Larra Pinta Sparkling Burgundy and the newly-released, low-alcohol (8.5%) Montego Sparkling White Wine.

LARRA PINTA SPARKLING BURGUNDY

Larra Pinta is an Aboriginal term which means “creek with running water”. The grapes for this wine come from a vineyard which lies alongside the creek from which the name Larra Pinta originates.

Larra Pinta has a deep, garnet red colour. Held up to natural light, it is bright and clear. It has a strong, fresh aroma of Christmas pudding fruits. It stimulates the palate with the flavours of berries. Predominant among these is strawberry and raspberry. A fresh but lingering aftertaste gives an excellent finish.

This wine would be an excellent accompaniment to the traditional Christmas turkey.

RRP per 750ml bottle $10.99

MONTEGO SPARKLING WHITE WINE

The first grapes of each new season are harvested early - these are used to make Montego a special wine.

Its colour is pale straw with a lush green tinge to the edges. A taste of apples is most noticeable to the palate. This refreshing, zesty taste will last to the end of the bottle. It is crisp and clean, and gives a full, rounded mouth-feel.

This excellent wine is ideal for alfresco dining with friends and would perfectly accompany Mediterranean food.

RRP per 330ml bottle $4.99

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