Kumeu River has always believed that they could produce high quality sparkling wine from their vineyards in Kumeu, particularly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Kumeu River Crémant fulfils this long held ambition.

The French term Crémant may only be used to describe a specific type of sparkling wine and must meet exacting production methods to maintain the integrity of the name. These include a second alcoholic fermentation in the bottle, and a maturation on yeast lees of not less than nine months. A similar set of standards apply to the vinification, including hand harvesting and whole bunch pressing.

As the term implies, the taste should be creamy. The finished wine shows delicate strawberry red fruit Pinot aromas and floral Chardonnay with bready yeast complexity. It has a delightfully creamy texture with a fine bead of bubbles. With a nicely balanced low dosage, it is refreshingly dry with a long, lingering fine finish.

Hand harvested
Whole-bunch pressed
Indigenous yeast fermentation
100% malo-lactic fermentation
60% Chardonnay 40% Pinot Noir
Bottle Fermented and on lees for 36 Months
Disgorged and dosed by hand
Dosage 4g/L

“Made from 60% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir with three years en tirage. Fresh, bright méthode in a bone-dry style with citrus, ginger and baguette crust supported by steely, mouth-watering acidity.”
Bob Campbell MW – The Real Review
94 Points