Stella Bella, Pink Muscat, Margaret River, Australia (37.5cl)

Stuart Pym and Janice McDonald created the Stella Bella winery back in 1999, Stella Bella meaning beautiful star, the name chosen to “encapsulate the beautiful colours, aromas and flavours we enjoy and talk about in wine”. Luke Joliffe is now the chief winemaker and has built a reputation for crafting wines of real elegance and purity. 

They are acutely aware of the pristine but fragile nature of the Margaret River region and do all they can to protect this and avoid causing any harm. For example planting swards of rye and clover between rows to prevent soil compaction, and introducing native ladybirds to combat mealy bugs.

The Pink Muscat was one of Stella Bella's first wines, inspired by Stuart and Janice's love of northern Italian wines and Moscato d'Asti in particular. Pink muscat grapes are handpicked, crushed and kept on skins for six hours to extract colour and aroma. Fermentation is stopped once the desired sugar / alcohol levels are by rapid chilling to preserve the flavours and natural CO2. The finished wine has delightful aromas of rosewater and orange blossom. On the palate it is sweet and fresh with a lovely, delicate fizz. 

Beautiful served with a creamy blue cheese or light desserts such as pannacotta or a slice of panettone.

Producer - Stella Bella
Country - Australia
Region - Margaret River
Variety / Blend - Muscat rosé à petits grains
Wine Style - Sweet Wine
Farming - Organic