A celebration isn’t a celebration without bubbles.

BWS checks out Akarua’s new sparkling range and gets reacquainted with the granddaughter of the Henkell range, Henkell Piccolo Rosé.

New styles from Akarua Akarua is the largest privately owned single estate vineyard in Central Otago. The 50 hectares of prime vineyard land at the winery site in Bannockburn, combined with the continental climate of Central Otago, are perfectly suited to the production of quality sparkling wines.

The temperatures throughout the growing season in Bannockburn result in a large diurnal temperature range, which is also a significant characteristic of the Champagne region.

Akarua secured the expertise and guidance of Dr Tony Jordan to develop the Akarua Methode Traditionelle range. His considerable experience in sparkling winemaking includes working with many notable sparkling wine producers including Domaine Chandon (Australia) and Cloudy Bay.

The Akarua philosophy is to show the purity of the fruit and the terroir at its best through gentle handling and absolute attention to detail.

Akarua’s chief winemaker Matt Connell and his team are focused on managing the quality of the fruit in the vineyard through winemaking on site at the winery, which gives them complete control from the vineyard through to the bottle.

With the launch of its sparkling range, Akarua is continuing to demonstrate its passion and expertise in other wine styles whilst being committed to producing the finest examples of Pinot Noir from the region.

Sparkling Piccolo from Henkell For decades now, Henkell Trocken Piccolo, sparkling wine in a 200ml bottle, has been most popular with sparkling wine lovers of all ages. Altogether, the successful Henkell product even makes up 30 percent of the Henkell range’s total turnover.

The small bottles make a perfect gift or ‘bring along’ for friends or acquaintances. The so-called “grandson of the house of Henkell” was created in the 1930s. It had its breakthrough in the 1950s and ’60s, the post-war years, when family budgets were tight and the Piccolo offered the possibility to still celebrate the special moments of life.

Several years ago, Henkell satisfied the internationally growing demand for rosé sparkling wines with the launch of Henkell Rosé, a wine which has conquered the hearts of sparkling wine lovers with its fine fruity bouquet and its long lasting delicate mousseux.

Now its “granddaughter”, Henkell Piccolo Rosé, has become a part of the export range. The sister of the Henkell Trocken Piccolo, it is available to be used as second placement or for special promotions during peak season.