Hochriegl Spumante Bianco

Hochriegl is one of Austria's historic Sekt houses, and its Spumante Bianco takes a lighter, Italian-styled approach to sparkling white. The wine is made in the fresh, fruit-driven idiom of a spumante, the fizz set in pressurised tank so the citrus and orchard aromatics stay bright. At around 14 grams per litre of residual sugar it sits in Extra Dry territory, just off dry, with the fruit balanced by a clean line of acidity. This is an easy, sociable style built for aperitifs and celebrations rather than long ageing.

The colour is a bright, light yellow with a fine, lively bead. The nose is fresh and appealing, with grapefruit and green apple over a floral hint. The palate is tangy and lively, the fine acidity carrying citrus and white peach through to a clean, fruity finish. Serve well chilled at 6 to 8 degrees. It makes a refreshing aperitif and suits fresh salads, grilled vegetables, seafood and milder cheeses such as goat's cheese.