Fleur de lys

The Sparkling Story of Fleur de Lys

If you know anything about us, you’ll know we love a good story to go along with our wines. Let us introduce you to the tale behind Fleur de Lys, a story as vibrant as the bubbles in your glass.

How She Got Her Name

Before she was known as Fleur de Lys, this sparkling wine began as Great Western Imperial Reserve Champagne. In the late 20th century, the French authorities insisted that only sparkling wines from the Champagne region could use the term ‘champagne‘, so, we had to find a new name. We couldn’t resist adding a little French flair, and what could be more fitting than the symbol of French royalty? Perhaps a playful jab, given how the French weren’t so fond of their monarchy by the time they parted ways with it.

The wine’s legacy continued under its new name, with Fleur de Lys as regal as ever, but now with a story uniquely its own.

The Story of Dame Nellie’s Champagne Bath

One of our most cherished tales surrounding Fleur de Lys dates back to 1910, when Dame Nellie Melba, the famed opera singer, visited Seppelt’s Great Western winery to open a new cellar drive named in her honour. During her visit, she remarked—perhaps jokingly—how wonderful it would be to take a bath in champagne. Hans Irvine, the ever-opportunistic businessman, decided to make it happen, filling a bath with 152 bottles of Great Western Imperial Reserve Champagne. Melba, being the diva she was, found the champagne a little too cold and only dipped her toe in before deciding it wasn’t quite her thing.

Not one to let a good story—or a good champagne—go to waste, Irvine had the wine re-bottled and sold as “Dame Nellie Melba’s Bath Water Champagne.” As the legend goes, somehow 153 bottles emerged from the bath instead of 152, although we’ll let that remain part of the myth. It’s these lighthearted moments that continue to define the playful character behind Seppelt’s sparkling wines.

Bringing Fleur de Lys Into the Present

While tales of champagne baths and opera divas belong to the past, Fleur de Lys is very much a part of today’s sparkling wine scene. With its crisp citrus finish and delicate hints of fruit, it’s more than just a wine for reminiscing—it’s the ideal companion for creating refreshing, modern cocktails.

Fleur de Lys Negroni Sbagliato

We know you’ve heard of this one—“a Negroni… Sbagliato… with Prosecco in it.” Now, we’re putting our own twist on it with Fleur de Lys. For those who are maybe a little in love with Emma D’Arcy, this sparkling version is as smooth and charming as she is.

  • Ingredients:
    • 30ml Campari
    • 30ml sweet vermouth
    • Fleur de Lys
    • Orange slice for garnish
  • Method:
    Combine Campari and sweet vermouth in a glass over ice. Gently stir, then top with Fleur de Lys for that perfect sparkling touch. Garnish with an orange slice, and who knows, you might just fall in love… with the cocktail or someone else.

Cucumber & Mint Sparkler

Gin and wine—a match made in heaven—or at least our version of it. This crisp, clean, and utterly refreshing cocktail pairs the cool notes of cucumber and fresh mint with the sparkling vibrance of Fleur de Lys, creating a drink that’s light and perfectly balanced.

  • Ingredients:
    • 30ml gin
    • 15ml fresh lime juice
    • Cucumber slices
    • Fresh mint leaves
    • Fleur de Lys
  • Method:
    Muddle cucumber and mint in a shaker, add gin and lime, shake with ice, and strain into a glass. Top with Fleur de Lys and garnish with a cucumber ribbon for a touch of elegance.

Fleur de Paradis

The meeting of two elegant “Fleurs”—Fleur de Lys and Fleur de Paradis—this cocktail brings together the floral notes of pomegranate liqueur with the crisp bubbles of our sparkling wine.

  • Ingredients:
  • Method:
    Pour pomegranate liqueur and lime juice into a glass, top with Fleur de Lys, and stir gently. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a twist of lime for a finishing touch.

Death in the Afternoon

Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s favourite drink, this bold cocktail pairs absinthe with sparkling wine. As Hemingway himself instructed, drink “three to five of these… slowly.”

Method:
Pour absinthe into a flute and slowly top with Fleur de Lys. Stir gently and savour the bold, invigorating flavours.

Whether you’re enjoying a glass on its own or mixing up one of these delightful cocktails, Fleur de Lys brings a sparkling story to every occasion. And right now, it’s easier than ever to add a little extra sparkle to your collection:

6 Bottles for $75.00 (was $90.00)

12 Bottles for $150.00 (was $180.00)

With these limited-time prices, there’s never been a better time to bring the elegance of Fleur de Lys into your home, for everyday moments or something truly special.

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