Croser Celebrates With A New Non Vintage Sparkling Wine

The James Boag marquee at Flemington Racecourse may not be what immediately springs to mind as Australia’s wedding axis. But on Oaks Day 2009 it was, with the team from The Knot, along with editors from Bride to Be, CosmoBride and Modern Wedding all meeting at the buzzing marquee as guests of Croser Winemaker, Peter Dredge.

Thanks to Peter, who is a wonderful combination of charismatic artist and man of the land, we now understand why Croser’s sparkling wine is such a delicious drop, with him taking us through the journey of this proudly Australian wine (though I must say with much consideration to our limited knowledge in winemaking).  Croser is in fact one of a handful of commercial wineries in Australia who use the ‘Traditional Method’ of champagne, to create their sparkling wines which ensures the best quality possible, with a guarantee of a clean, elegant flavour and finish.

Right now it’s an exciting time in history for Croser (and all those who choose to celebrate with their wines), as they have just started selling a non vintage version, Croser Non Vintage Sparkling, which can now be chosen along with their vintage releases. Peter explained how this non vintage, a blend of Pinot and Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills, captures the ongoing essence of Croser. Highlights include the apple and nectarine characteristics thanks to the Chardonnay, while the Pinot Noir brings power and strawberry notes to the mix. The price point is a very reasonable $25 per bottle. This is a sparkling wine just made for Australian weddings.

The marquee itself was an amazing creation with Style by Nature’s Floral Designer, Karina Wightman, given creative licence to replicate the Tasmanian wilderness. Stepping in was just like walking into a cool rainforest with a waterfall, moss coverings, butterflies and even the air feeling more oxygenated.

Style by Nature has been called upon for events including the 2008 Grand Prix Ball, Cancer Foundation Charity Balls along with hundreds of weddings including both Natalie Imbruglia and Rachel Griffith’s as well as being the florist for Ralph Lauren in Australia. They are very much in demand for  bridal events throughout the year, and in fact it is believed that they is working on a major celebrity wedding at present, though when The Knot quizzed Karina on this she proved she is woman of complete discretion and would not share any details – obviously this respect for her clients is one of the qualities that makes her so popular with stars trying to fly under the radar with a private wedding.

Peter also shared that he was heading to a bucks party like no other this weekend. Close to one hundred guys  heading to Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. There will be surfing, snorkelling  and for those with a license to do so abalone diving. He’s promised to fill The Knot in on the adventures had. Can they outdo ‘The Hangover’? (personally I hope not!)

Wishing you all a lovely weekend from The Knot.