Wine
The Best Sparkling Reds to Drink This Summer
While Sparkling whites, Rosé and Prosecco are always popular this time of year, we think the deliciously complex, sophisticated and uniquely Australian style of a good Sparkling red makes it the perfect choice to spice up your special occasions, and bring some delectable style to your Christmas table.
Filled with exotic spices, rich red fruits, velvety tannins and – of course – those magnificent bubbles, Sparkling red really shakes things up in the best possible way. Here are Tasting Panellist and Len Evans Tutorial Dux of 2019 Adam Walls’ picks for the best Sparkling reds to get your hands on this summer.
The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz NV
Sourced from premium McLaren Vale Shiraz fruit, this Gold-winning number is a blend of vintages old and young, offering both vibrant fruit flavours and subtle layers of spice. This balance makes it the perfect accompaniment to slightly salty foods such as ham or cured meats, and haloumi cheese.
Adam says: “This does all the work for you. It’s perfumed and aromatically powerful, while being full of ripe black and purple fruits… and lots of spice to boot!” Get yourself a bottle here.
Hesketh The Black Cuvée Sparkling Shiraz NV
Hesketh are a premium, family-owned boutique winery based in the Barossa Valley. For this wine, they’ve sourced Shiraz fruit from all across South Australia to craft a bright, fruit-driven wine that is perfect to be consumed by itself, or – better still – with an afternoon grazing plate.
Adam says: “I love the way this wine mixes fruit power with a smooth and silken mouthfeel. It’s so easy to enjoy.” Snap one up for your special holiday occasion here.
Hollick Sparkling Merlot 2015
This wine is made with 100% Merlot grapes from Hollick’s Coonawarra vineyard. Made by Hollick since 1992, it continues its reputation as a wine for every celebratory occasion. Perfect for after dinner sipping with Christmas cake or pudding, or equally great with cold chicken or turkey leftovers after Christmas lunch.
Adam says: “A Sparkling red that is great on its own but equally at-home when paired with food, with the extra bottle age giving it more depth.” Find it here and add it to your cellar today.
Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz NV
This non-vintage wine sparkles to the tune of a well-balanced blend: namely, predominantly 3-year-old Shiraz aged in old French oak barrels, allowing a wonderfully smooth integration of fruit and a rich, weighty texture across the palate. It’s blended with a touch of a younger vintage Shiraz to bring ripe, juicy varietal fruit characters to the finished wine. Serve with anything barbecued – meat or vegetables.
Adam says: “This is a decadent wine that is full of power and presence. With a nose full of fruits and spice, the palate delivers on what is promised.” Order a bottle today and strike it off your summer shopping list.
Penley Estate Echo Sparkling Pinot Noir NV
Made from 100% Pinot Noir – making it equally unusual and unique – this is a lighter-style of Sparkling red that is bright and clean with a core of brambly red fruit and earthy, savoury notes, simply screaming to be matched with mushrooms, duck or lightly spiced dishes.
Adam says: “I love this wine. It gives all of Pinot Noir’s multiple layers of flavours, with the energy that only bubbles can bring.” Pick a couple up for yourself and your friends here.
Want to know more about this distinctive wine style and its origins? We share all you need to know about Australian Sparkling red and its top regions in our Know Your Variety article. In the meantime, choose your favourites from the list above, and get your flutes ready for a Sparkling red summer!