2017 Anderson & Marsh Catani Blanc de Blancs

An ambitious sparkling from the Anderson & Marsh partnership (aka Eleana Anderson of Mayford and Jo Marsh of Billy Button Wines).

Intended to emulate the fine, racy, pure styles of Blanc de Blanc that they have always enjoyed, the pair sought out the coolest sites in the region. Premium parcels of hand-picked Chardonnay were selected from the Mayford and Dalbosco vineyards in Porepunkah at the cool southern end of the Alpine Valleys wine region in Victoria’s mountainous north east. 

Naturally, a traditional method of bottle fermentation was the only option considered.  With such a fine, taut style the pair knew that a long lees maturation in bottle would be paramount to develop complexity and texture.

Made using the traditional method and spending 5 years in tirage on lees before release.

Finishing with the same philosophy as they had begun, a stainless steel crown seal was chosen as the final closure, to ensure that the wine retained its vibrancy and would continue to develop.

Reviews

"...Catani, with extended time on lees, presents a complex and powerful sparkling take on the Alpine Valleys chardonnay with baked apple, grilled pineapple, honeyed fig aromas and an overriding warm nuttiness.  Smooth across the mid-palate with a loveley spiciness to close.  Worth the wait."  Awarded 94 points, Jeni Port, Halliday Companion - Published 2 August 2023