Wine drinkers are aware of Tasmania’s reputation for beautiful pinot noir, but one of the lesser-known aspects of local viticulture is that it also produces exceptional sparkling wines, as the climate is similar to Champagne in France.

They may be a world apart, but the conditions for grape-growing align. In fact, Wine Tasmania reports that 37% per cent of all grapes from the 2022 Tasmanian vintage are bound for sparkling wine production.

It’s just one of the reasons G.H. Mumm Chef de Cave, Laurent Fresnet paired with Australian winemaker and sparkling wine specialist, Trina Smith, to create Mumm Tasmania. The collaboration combines Mumm’s time-honoured expertise with local knowledge to highlight Tasmania’s terroir and pinot noir grapes.

Mumm Tasmania is produced using méthode traditionnelle, the same process used by Maison Mumm in France, to create a complex champagne with a wealth of flavours.  The pinot noir dominated blend is a sophisticated sparkling wine with intensity and vibrancy. The complex aromas of warm spices and red berries are balanced by delicate acidity, resulting in a refined wine with powerful length.

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Smith relished the opportunity to collaborate with Fresent.

“I was thrilled to introduce Tasmania as the region to source grapes for our Terroir series. There’s no better Australian region for sparkling wine,” she says.

Fresnet was equally excited.

“Maison Mumm has been celebrating pinot noir from the terroir of Champagne since 1827. Partnering with Trina opened up knowledge of the terroir and producers to source the best grapes.

“With Mumm Tasmania, we are revealing a new expression of pinot noir, with the same quest for the utmost quality, and in line with Maison Mumm’s style.”

Mumm Tasmania Brut Prestige will be available at liquor retailers nationally from late October, for $40.

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