Sparkling White 2016 - Black Market Deal #62925

This Mandala Late Disgorged Blancs de Blanc has spent extended time on lees, developing complex tertiary flavours that younger sparklings simply can't achieve. The extended bottle ageing has transformed the wine from bright fruit-driven freshness into a sophisticated expression with brioche and almond notes, while maintaining its vibrant acidity. Late disgorgement is a premium technique where the wine stays on its lees longer than standard, creating deeper complexity and a creamier texture.

The Yarra Valley's cool climate and diverse soil types create perfect conditions for sparkling wine production, particularly for Chardonnay-based blends like this Blancs de Blanc. The region's elevation and maritime influence help retain the bright acidity essential for quality sparkling wine, while allowing fruit to develop complexity. Mandala has capitalised on these conditions to create a wine that balances the region's characteristic minerality with rich, developed flavours.

The wine's brioche and almond notes make it exceptional with rich seafood dishes like lobster thermidor or pan-seared scallops. Its mineral backbone and persistent mousse cut through creamy sauces beautifully, while the citrus elements complement oysters and sashimi. The medium body and complex flavours also pair wonderfully with aged cheeses, particularly triple cream varieties that echo the wine's creamy texture.

Serve chilled at 6-8°C in flutes or tulip glasses to preserve the fine mousse and concentrate the complex aromatics. Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place away from vibration - the wine's development on lees means it can continue to evolve gracefully for several more years. Open carefully to preserve the delicate bubbles, and consider decanting briefly if you notice any sediment from the late disgorgement process.

Blancs de Blanc translates to 'whites from whites', meaning this sparkling wine is made exclusively from white grape varieties, typically Chardonnay. This style tends to be more elegant and mineral-driven than blends containing red grapes, with greater ageing potential and finesse. The pure Chardonnay expression allows the Yarra Valley terroir to shine through, creating the distinctive mineral backbone and citrus precision that defines this wine's character.