Meet a landmark new Tasmanian sparkling wine

Meet the newest addition to the Jansz family of Tasmanian sparkling wines. 

Pontos Hills is the name of the new Jansz vineyard in the south of the Apple Isle, and also the new Hill-Smith family-owned winery that processed grapes for the first time this vintage.

The debut Jansz Pontos Hill release is the 2017 Vintage Cuvee; a total of 1986 bottles were made to celebrate the the beginning of a sparkling wine journey that began in 1986. 

Now, 35, years on, the opening on the Pontos Hills facility reflects the ongoing commitment to wines that are "undeniably Tasmanian". Jansz will maintain its Pipers River headquarters in the north of the state. 

The debut release ($50) is a "field blend" of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier" - the three classic sparkling wine grapes of Champagne. 

The Pontos Hills site spans 150 hectares in the Coal River Valley, just north-east of Hobart, where Jennifer Doyle is viticulturist and wine winemaker.

"It is a significant milestone in Jansz Tasmania's journey," says proprietor Robert Hill-Smith. "It is a mark of our growth and achievements since the first vines were planted and the label established in 1986. 

"It embodies our commitment to Tasmania and and its community."

See www.jansz.com.au