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9
Page 7
Drinking the stars
“Come quickly, I am drinking the stars,” Dom Pérignon is famously quoted as saying upon taking his first sip of Champagne. Urban myth suggests that the Benedictine Monk invented the world’s favourite celebratory drink back in 1693. The Benedictine link to the origins of ‘Champagne’, or Méthode traditionnelle, as it is now called, is not lost on vigneron Nick Humphrey who has just released a new Blanc de Blanc under the New Norcia Abbey label. “I thought there was a market for it and it was a fun challenge because of the double fermentation and of course there was the monastic link with Dom Perignon.” Grape vines were one of the first things planted by New Norcia’s founder Rosendo Salvado back in the 1850’s although the major production resulted from 80 acres of vines planted later at Wyening, and peaked in the mid 1950’s. Unfortunately major salinity problems caused the closure of the vineyard and winery in 1973. More than thirty years later the New Norcia label is up and running again, using grapes from Nick’s Bindoon vineyard, 50 kms south of New Norcia. Planted in the eighties with Shiraz, Cabernet Merlot and Chardonnay, the first wines were produced in the nineties. The ultimate challenge for the Perth- based
optometrist was to create a quality bubbly, worthy of a special occasion - that won’t produce a headache in the morning.
Working closely with the winemaker from Jane Brook in the Swan Valley, he set out to achieve just that. But exactly how is this possible? A combination of things - the purity of the organic grapes is a contributing factor, however is mostly due to the traditional method of production. Nick explains the process of making sparkling wine using Méthode traditionnelle; “Firstly the Chardonnay grapes are made into wine, but it is done with a lower sugar level for the first fermentation. The grapes are harvested in January, earlier than those for still wine, when there is still high acid levels. Then it’s bottled as you would Chardonnay, but with a little liqueur and a bit more yeast to do the the second fermentation in the bottle.” Which brings us back to Dom Pérignon, who for all his false fame, worked tirelessly to develop many advances in production of Champagne, including holding the cork in place with a wire collar (muselet) to withstand the pressure of the secondary fermentation. Once this double fermentation is complete the bottles are then disgorged, the lees removed, then resealed again ready for labelling and sale.
Carmel Ross and Nick Humpfrey toast the New Norcia Blanc de Blanc in the original Monastery kitchens bullsbrook 116 Gibbard Place
Wannamal
EOI
205 Acres
Perfect small farm just 20 minutes from Bindoon or Gingin. Brand new limestone brick and iron home. 3 x 2, sep lounge & huge country style kitchen/family area. High ceilings, wood heating, a/c and finished to a high standard. Sep.accommodation, GP, hay & machinery sheds. Water! 3 year round soaks, bore with potable water plus huge rainwater storage. Approx 100 acres croppable. All new fencing, cattle & sheep yards.
Bindoon
$225,000
P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com
gingin 62 Crest View
$585,000
3.9 Acres
Best block in Bindoon - North facing with rich red soils, scheme water and only a few minutes drive from townsite. The land is gently sloping (not steep) and all cleared bar stands of mature trees with views over surrounding hills..
Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502
$350,000
Shady Hills Delight Bring your horses and your building plans. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Shady Hills Estate, this 6-acre pastured block is excellent value for money. It already has an arena and fencing for the horses. Building your home is easy with plenty of level space and breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Come and see it today. This is where you belong.
Well appointed four bedroom two bathroom brick and iron home on over five acres of land nestled on top of the hill. Kitchen/dining, separate lounge and study. Triple garage, undercover patio, veranda ideal for indoor outdoor entertainment. Bore reticulated garden, 92,000lt rain water tank. Wildflowers and Christmas trees.
Craig Hyne
Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864
0448 825 833
Ph: 08 9575 2566 www.cabassirealty.com
Absolute peace and quiet.