Trophy News! Best Sparkling Honour for Passel Estate!

Passel Estate’s 2023 ‘La Joie’ Méthode Traditionnelle Chenin Blanc has just been crowned ‘Best Sparkling Wine’ in the Australian Chenin Blanc Challenge 2025!

Held in the Swan Valley each year, the aim of the Chenin Blanc Challenge is to bring together the best Australian Chenin Blanc and to celebrate the quality and diversity of chenin blanc styles.

‘La Joie’ is a vintage sparkling wine made from chenin blanc in the traditional French method and the classic Crémant style; it is both Passel Estate’s first chenin blanc and first sparkling wine.

The grapes were picked at the perfect time to retain their natural acidity, then underwent regular bâtonnage for added complexity before being bottled for second fermentation in the bottle. The wine was then matured on the lees for a further year before being disgorged and a small dosage added for perfect balance.

The resulting wine displays bright fruit flavours, white florals and some brioche notes in the background. The delicate mousse and creamy mouthfeel create a lovely, lingering presence on the palate.

This elegant sparkling wine was conceived by owners, Wendy and Barry as an expression of life’s joyful moments – and we are positively fizzing with joy to receive this magnificent accolade!

Read more and purchase La Joie here.