As you might expect, Voyager’s foray into the sparkling arena has class broadcast all over it. Perhaps surprisingly, however—given this producer’s enviable reputation with Chardonnay—it was crafted entirely from Chenin Blanc (drawn from Voyager Estate’s Weightmans Block 1). This patch of Chenin ripens and develops flavour early, giving full and punchy fruit character while retaining excellent natural acidity at lower potential alcohol. This was especially true—and impressive—amid 2024’s warmer-than-usual temperatures, which promoted even, early ripening. This suited the Chenin, whose early February harvest was a record for the variety.
The fruit was picked by hand and pressed as whole bunches to tank for cool fermentation. A small portion of the fruit was siphoned off to ferment in a new oak puncheon, lending further complexity and flavour dimension. Made using the traditional method, following a short maturation in tank, the wine was bottled and remained on lees until March 2025. It’s a compelling sparkling wine, with apple crunch and lemon sharpness, vivacious fizz and racy cut. Honey, toast and fine bead give it an even, balanced and moreish feel. Cheninpagne!