There really is one man who knows his bubbles best in Argentina, and that man is septuagenarian Pedro Rosell. As one of the first to make sparkling wine in Argentina, Rosell is still at the top of his game especially after over 40 years making it across different regions in Mendoza.

Last month Rosell led a special master class on Argentine sparkling wine at the Premium Tasting (www.premiumtasting.com) where he explained the ins and outs of sparkling wine and how to make it according to the different vinification techniques – either in tank or a second fermentation in the bottle - and also a sneak preview of what is to come for the sparkling wine house where is is Head of Winemaking, Bodega Cruzat.

Since Rosell began at Cruzat, the new winery has become renowned for their different bubblies that range from rosé and white, and from Brut Nature to Demi Sec. Rosell always works with mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as he believes they are the two varieties that create a sparkling wine worth aging. And he is about to launch a wine that has been aging for quite some time. 

Early next year Cruzat will be releasing the most premium sparkling wine in Argentina: a 2006 vintage sparkling wine! Having spent over 8 years on the lees, the result - which we got a thrilling taste of! - is a very complex wine with engaging hints of mustard seed and roast mushrooms as well as the classic freshly baked brioche and warm apple pie notes. A real delight, and something very unique in this part of the world and even unique for Champagne!

Get your order in now… Cruzat’s new launch is going to storm into the New World sparkling wine leagues at a top pace. You heard it here first!

Amanda Barnes is a British wine writer living in Mendoza and taking each enjoyable bubble at a time. You can read more of her wine recommendations at www.amandabarnes.co.uk