Tasmania's first Ocean Aged Sparkling

We caught up with Jasper Marais, winemaker at Riversdale Estate in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, to explore one of the most innovative projects in Australian sparkling wine — Ocean Aged Sparkling.

Pushing beyond traditional cellar ageing, selected bottles are placed beneath the ocean, where pressure, temperature, and constant movement create a completely different environment for maturation. Rather than sitting still, the wine is gently agitated by the motion of the sea, influencing how the lees interact with the wine and how flavour develops over time.

This underwater ageing introduces a fascinating new dimension of terroir. Each bottle evolves slightly differently, shaped not just by vineyard and vintage, but by the rhythm of the ocean itself — resulting in wines with unique texture, complexity, and character.

As Jasper explains, projects like this are about exploring what’s possible in winemaking. It’s a blend of curiosity, technical skill, and a willingness to challenge convention — all while staying grounded in the quality of Tasmanian fruit.