Margaret River is best known for its wonderful Gingin clone. Most people would agree that the region makes some of Australia’s finest chardonnays, but when it comes to sparkling wine, the needs are very different, as grapes are generally picked earlier to preserve natural acidities. Significant phenolics, a feature of the Gingin clone, are also not so welcome. By chance, Vasse Felix was sold a vineyard in Karridale at the southern end of Margaret River in 2012. The plantings were advertised by the agent as being all Gingin clone chardonnay, ideal for the growing demand of Vasse Felix Chardonnay. But after the dust had settled, it was discovered that the vineyard’s Block D was planted with Champagne clones. This began the journey of starting a bespoke sparkling wine project based on Chardonnay. These types of sparkling wines are called Blanc de Blancs, and are a favourite among wine drinkers who like refinement, flavour complexity and precision. Very recent soil mapping, completed only last week, has revealed the site has a high level of shattered quartz, which is unusual in Margaret River, and from this tasting appears to be well suited to the production of high quality sparkling wines. The humid conditions, very low elevations, regular cloud cover and sea breezes make it hard going to grow grapes for table wine, but the conditions are ideal for making sparkling wines in the traditional method. Recently, I tasted a whole lot of bottlings earmarked for release with the venture’s chief winemaker, Mick Langridge, and marketing manager Emily Sharland. I was extremely impressed by the quality and fidelity of Idée Fixe’s current offerings. Possessing freshness and complexity, they reflect a magnificent obsession and promise a flourishing future.
Idée Fixe Premier Fixe (Blanc de Blancs) Margaret River, Western Australia
G 95
Pale colour. Fresh nougat, yeasty, hint Marmite, sourdough, grapefruit, waxy aromas. Lovely creamy textured wine with grapefruit, lemon curd, yeasty, sourdough, nougat flavours, fine bittersweet textures, lovely mid-palate volume and fresh long persistent fine bubbles. Lovely freshness, superb tension, texture and energy. (Disgorgement batch Feb 2022) 12% alc Idée Fixe Brut Rosé Margaret River, Western Australia G 96 Pale onionskin colour. Intense grapefruit, marzipan, yeasty, grilled nut aromas. Generous grapefruit, tonic water, nougat, sourdough, grilled nut, yeasty complexity, superb lemon glacé, hint red cherry notes and fine chalky textures. Lovely pure indelible acidity and long fresh persistent fine bead. Beautiful. (Disgorgement batch Dec 2021) 12.5% alc
IdÉe Fixe 163
Powered by FlippingBook