Sidewood Isabella rosé 2014

Sidewood Isabella rosé 2014, Adelaide Hills, Australia

(£21 or AUS$32, www.sidewood.com.au)

Owen Inglis’s Sidewood Estate in Australia’s Adelaide Hills is a new discovery for us. 

Although the estate produces both still wines and ciders, it was the current releases of Sidewood’s sparkling wines that we were recently sent to taste. 

The range includes Sidewood Sparkling NV (a charmat method blend), Chloé Cuvée 2015, Isabella Rosé 2014, and a brand new blanc de blancs, Cassandra 2015.

The dosage levels tend to be on the low side, with Cassandra at just 1g/l, and although these are extremely well made wines and potentially very exciting, we felt the balance would generally be better with a slightly higher dosage. 

This was proved by the Isabella Rosé 2014 which, at 9g/l, is the outlier and to us the star of the range.

Delicate antique gold, it exudes baked bread aromas and spiced red apple fruit. In the mouth it’s yeasty with orchard fruits to the fore. The mousse is fine and the finish deliciously dry and biscuity – stylish, elegant and compelling stuff.

(Susie, 8/10, Oct 19)