Country: Australia Region: Yarra Valley (Half Bottle) Varietal: 100% Moscato Vintage: 2015 Colour: Rose Style: Off Dry Size: 35cl Producer: Innocent Bystander Description: Innocent Bystander wines are a pure expressions of the region, reflecting the soil... and varied topography of the cool climate Yarra Valley. Founded in 1997 by Phil Sexton, Innocent Bystander is a Yarra Valley based winery producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside Pinot Gris and cool climate Syrah. They are also now renowned for their fun and fizzy pink Moscato. Located in Healesville, the winery is an exercise in function over form, much like the strongly expressed views of its owners and winemaking team: "Make great wine for drinking and enjoying; not crowing over". Innocent Bystander wines are an expression of pure regional varietal wines which reflect the soil, climate and topography of the cool climate Yarra Valley. Vineyards The Gordo Muscat (Muscat of Alexandria) was selected from the Woonton, Boulton and Duffy vineyards, while the Black Muscat (Muscat Hamberg) that made up the remaining part of the blend was sourced from Burge Vineyard, Duffy Vineyard, Wall Vineyard and Pratt Vineyard, all in the Swan Hill region in Victoria. Vintage Information Fantastic weather in spring and good flowering led to a warm, dry ripening period that was ideal for muscat grapes. The good weather concentrated the fruit flavour, with excellent sugar levels. Irrigation was used sparingly to take the edge off peak summer temperatures. Perfume and flavour in the black muscat was particularly intense in the 2015 fruit. Vinification Harvested in the cool of the night, fruit was chilled and crushed with six hours skin contact to extract a hint of pink from the Black Muscat. Juice underwent a 100% stainless steel ferment with aromatic yeast at 12°C. Fermentation was stopped at 5.5% alcohol by chilling the wine, then cold filtered at 0°C to trap in the natural bubbles and cold bottled under pressure to retain freshness and effervescence. Tasting Note: Intense fairy floss and blackcurrant perfumes wrap around notes of musk, Turkish delight and mandarin peel. The palate is rich in flavour, yet refined by a cleansing natural acidity. The spritzy naturally dissolved carbon dioxide leaves the palate refreshed. Food Matches: Oriental / Desserts / Aperitif