LV by Louis Vavasour, a wine brand from Marlborough's Awatere Valley, has shattered tradition with the LV Ocean-Aged Marlborough Methode Traditionnelle.
This is New Zealand's first sparkling wine aged in the ocean depths. The innovative experiment has pushed the boundaries of sparkling wine production, exploring the influence of the ocean environment on the maturation process.
Inspired by a historical account of unearthed champagne bottles from a shipwreck still drinking beautifully, Louis Vavasour embarked on a controlled experiment to explore the potential effects of the ocean environment on premium sparkling wine maturation.
Specially designed cages containing bottles of LV Methode Traditionelle were submerged 25 metres deep in the waters of the Marlborough Sounds for 18 months.
After retrieval, industry experts Master of Wine Simon Nash and Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas conducted a blind comparative tasting.
Compared to the cellar-aged LV Methode Traditionnelle, which maintained its classic elegance, the ocean-aged expression displayed remarkable freshness and drive. This suggested a definitive variation in the wine's profile, influenced by the unique environment of ocean aging on the sparkling wine's characteristics.
Each case has offered discerning wine enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience a groundbreaking innovation in sparkling wine. The side-by-side comparison allowed for a firsthand exploration of the contrasting profiles—the traditional cellar-aged and the revolutionary ocean-aged Methode Traditionnelle, both from the same bottling.
"We are excited to unveil this limited release and share the results of our exploration," said Louis Vavasour.
"The LV Methode Traditionnelle, both cellar-aged and ocean-aged, represents our ongoing commitment to quality and exploring new possibilities within the world of sparkling wine. This project underscores our dedication to continuous improvement and pushing the boundaries of what is possible."
This limited-edition release features only 50 exclusive two-pack cases, available solely through the Gravity Cellars Cellar Door or LV.
