Swift Sparkling Rosé Cuvee, Orange

67/33% pinot noir/chardonnay. Based on the '21 vintage. Disgorged in October '24 with a total of 36 months on lees and 5.5g/L dosage. The first vintage that pinot noir is the dominant variety and no red wine adjustment for colour this bottling. Fragrant cherry blossoms, rambutans and blush nectarines. A surge of strawberry and peach Bellini on the palate with a touch of salinity to the long lines of recurring acidity. A focused and fruit-forward rosé where the pinot noir fruit is singing. Delightful.

95 points Shanteh Wale winecompanion.com.au

Swift Sparkling Rosé Cuvée is a refined and vibrant traditional method sparkling wine from the cool-climate region of Orange in New South Wales, showcasing delicate fruit, fine texture, and a subtle savoury backbone. Swift is the sparkling wine arm of Printhie Wines, a family-owned estate that has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s leading sparkling producers outside Tasmania. Their vineyards sit at elevations of around 1000 metres on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, making them some of the highest in the country. This altitude, combined with Orange’s pristine growing conditions, produces sparkling wines with intensity, freshness, and finesse.

The Cuvée is crafted primarily from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with Pinot Meunier occasionally in the blend, mirroring the classic Champagne varieties. Grapes are hand harvested at optimum sparkling ripeness, ensuring bright acidity and fine flavour. After gentle whole-bunch pressing, the base wines are fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness, with a portion matured in old French oak for subtle complexity. Secondary fermentation occurs in bottle, and the wine is aged on lees for an extended period (often three to four years), developing creamy texture, fine bubbles, and toasty complexity. A low dosage is added at disgorgement to maintain balance and precision.

In the glass, Swift Sparkling Rosé Cuvée has a delicate pale salmon hue with a persistent, fine bead. Aromas of wild strawberries, redcurrants, citrus blossom, and almond pastry rise elegantly from the glass, supported by subtle notes of brioche and crushed chalk. The palate is crisp yet textural, with juicy red berry and citrus flavours layered over a creamy mid-palate and a taut mineral finish. The extended lees aging adds savoury depth while preserving the wine’s cool-climate vibrancy.

This sparkling rosé is perfect as an aperitif and pairs beautifully with oysters, smoked salmon, seared scallops, or goat’s cheese. It also shines with duck rillettes, charcuterie, or light berry desserts. Best enjoyed within 3 to 5 years of release, though its structure allows for graceful short-term cellaring.