Montalto Pennon Hill Sparkling Rose, Mornington Peninsula

An early drinking style sparkling wine made from 100% Pinot Noir harvested from aromatic clones at our Red Hill Vineyard. Bright and energetic, this wine is a perfect aperitif and generous enough to accompany a host of foods.

A lace-like thread of bright red fruit flavours, notably strawberry and red cherry sherbet combine with some apple and rhubarb notes and a whiff of talc. The palate is creamy and effortless along a gentle bead of froth and bright crunchy acidity.

Montalto Pennon Hill Sparkling Rosé is a bright, expressive, and effortlessly charming wine that captures the cool-climate finesse of the Mornington Peninsula in a glass full of fine bubbles and pink-tinged delight. Crafted in the traditional method by Simon Black and the Montalto team, this is a sparkling wine that’s not trying to be Champagne — it’s distinctly Australian, with a strong sense of place and a joyful, fruit-forward personality.

The blend typically leans on Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay, all estate-grown. Fermentation is in tank for freshness, then secondary fermentation in bottle, followed by time on lees to add creaminess and complexity. The result is a sparkling wine that combines fruit clarity with texture and subtle savoury notes.

In the glass, it’s pale salmon in colour with fine, persistent bubbles. Aromas of wild strawberry, red apple skin, pink grapefruit and rose petal lead into a palate that is crisp and dry, with vibrant red berry flavours, a hint of citrus zest, and a lightly creamy texture from lees contact. The finish is brisk, clean, and subtly saline, making it both refreshing and surprisingly layered.

Food pairing: Perfect with smoked salmon blinis, prosciutto and melon, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, or fried chicken and pickled onion slaw. Also lovely with fresh goat cheese or a berry tart.

Cellar potential: Best enjoyed young and vibrant, within 1–3 years of release, while the fruit and sparkle are at their peak.