Mission Estate Fête

Tasting notes

Back in the 1850s, gold was discovered in New Zealand. At the same time, Mission Estate’s winemakers were planting New Zealand’s first grapes in the fertile plains of Hawke’s Bay.

Mission Estate have been turning their grapes into gold-winning wine ever since. Now, to commemorate their 160^th birthday, they’ve created an elegant hand harvested Cuvée.

Fête is French for “party” and celebrates Mission Estate’s pioneering heritage and proudly French roots. The first in New Zealand to produce Methode Traditionelle back in the 1960s, Mission have once again crafted a superb sparkling wine.

Pinot Gris and Chardonnay grapes were hand harvested from Mission’s historic Taradale vineyards, then very gently pressed and fermented twice to develop a crisp effervescence.

Fête has a softness and lightness with creamy characteristics. There is a delicate pear aroma with an almond and biscuit nuance. The mousse is fine and very persistent, the reward of focused, dedicated viticulture and winemaking. In the mouth the wine sings across the palate, showing a persistent and fresh more-ish finish.

Mission Estate Fête retails for around $23 and is available now at the cellar door, online at www.missionestate.co.nz and at selected fine wine retailers.

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Written by Jayson Bryant

Jayson’s roots in wine began when his father literally dragged him round France and injected his passion into him. From the age of 8 his family took month long holidays in France travelling through all regions and sampling their wine.
UnScrewed has reinvented the concept of wine tasting in New Zealand and along the way found a new and willing audience. In addition to encouraging straightforward wine tasting, Jayson educates viewers about the effects of regional factors (soil, sun, wind) on wine flavours, and how to buy wine.

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