Sparkling Reds - A Taste Of Australian Wine

Food and Recipes » Beverage Guide » Wine Guide

Sparkling Reds - A Taste Of Australian Wine
By. Ian Love

What happens to a Champagne style wine made from a Shiraz? You get an Australian Sparkling Red wine! They were also called the Sparkling Burgundies on account of their red color. It is made in exactly the same way as the Champagne, bottle fermentation and aging on lees and liqueuring and then, resting in the bottle to mature. The difference however is in what else goes into the base of the Sparkling Red that distinguishes it from the 'traditional' Sparkling wines.

This style of making this kind of wine comes from the French regions of Loire and Burgundy. The Beaujolais region of Burgundy which is in the south, close to the Rhộne valley region, is home to fruity red wines. But these are made solely from grapes and are drunk young. However, the Australians are a breed apart where doing things in their own style is concerned.

So in the Sparkling Reds of Australia, instead of the usual base wines used in the Champagnes or Burgundies of France, the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir, quality Australian reds like Shiraz are used. Some vintners are also making them from Cabernet, like the Yolumba. Others make them from Sparkling Merlot, especially the Irvine. McWilliams makes a more traditional sparkling Pinot Noir and Tatachilla a bright colored Sparkling Malbec and D'Arenberg a Sparkling Chambourcin. But by far the best are made with Shiraz as the base wine and just about everything red that you can think of.

The wine has very interesting characteristics. It has a bouquet that is a very fruity with hints of oak, spice and chocolate. It has a palate that has a very rich mixture of fruits, all the reds and vivid purples and violets that you can think of; blackcurrants, blackberries, cherries and strawberries, and the underlying taste of the Shiraz with a touch of chocolate and spice. All in all, a sensual experience that seduces you into falling in love with it.

The Sparkling Reds are extremely versatile. These wines are best served slightly chilled. They should be served at just the right temperature. Not too chilled and never warm. They can be served with a variety of meats, with the ubiquitous pizza and of course barbeques. Have them along with grilled duck or grilled fish and you will not be disappointed. Try them with the Turkey dinner and it will turn into an unforgettable Christmas. They make for very good Aperitifs on cold nights. However, as mentioned earlier you can experiment with the taste.

Picture a cool autumn evening, with the barbecue pit ready to grill and barbeque the meats and the aroma of a fruity, chocolaty, spicy and slightly acidic Sparkling wine, frothing in a beautiful big Riedel burgundy glass! A taste of that wine and some barbecue would be my definition of Paradise on earth.

Some of the Sparkling Reds are listed here. Lower to middle range of wines are - Andrew Garret, Mt Prior Sparkling Durif, Hardys Sparkling Shiraz, Tatachilla Sparkling Malbec and Rumball. In the premium range are -Great Western, Rockford Black Shiraz, Charles Melton Sparkling Shiraz, Irvine Sparkling Merlot Leasingham Classic Clare and Henrys Drive Sparkling Shiraz.

Users Reading this article are also interested in:

Top Searches on Wine Guide:

• Sparkling Wine Wine

• Australian Shiraz Wine

About The Author, Ian Love

Ian Love is the owner of Perth Restaurant group West Valley and also owns Australian Wine retailer - Liquor Merchants. West Valley also specialize in catering for Functions in Perth, Western Australia

Wine Guide

•	Virgin Wines Discovery Wine Club - The Clever Way To Buy Wine
•	Fruit Wine Making
•	The Remarkable Health Benefits of Red Wine
•	Who Else Wants Some Port Wine?
•	The Finest Wine Accessories
•	Riedel Wine Glasses - Wine Gift Online - Unique Wine Gift 827
•	Riedel Wine Glasses - Crystal Stemware - Riedel Wine Glasses 383
•	White Wine Glasses - Riedel Wine Glasses - Red Wine Glasses 711
•	Selecting a Wine that Pleases Your Palate
•	Personalized Wine Bottle Labels
•	Wine: Beauty of Tasting and Sparking Wine Reviews
•	Riedel Wine Glasses - Wine Lovers Gift - Greatest Wine Glass 538
•	Unique Wine Gift - Wine Gifts - Wine Accessories 625
•	Wine Accessories - Unique Wine Gift - Wine Lovers Gift 333
•	Wine Tasting Can Be Challenging
•	Wine Racks For Storing Wines
•	The Bests Of Red Wines Revealed!
•	Plum Wine Delivers A Delicious Taste
•	The Feeling Of Wine Tasting And Pleasure Of Sparkling Wine
	» More on Wine Guide

FoodEditorials Beverages Guide has useful information on all sorts of Beverages from Coffee & Teas to Alcoholic Drinks such as Beer and Wine. Also get tips on how to create fancy and creative Cocktails & Mocktails which will make you the life of every party!

Need faster Access? Try our Local Hosting Sites

Asia : Singapore - Malaysia - Indonesia | America : USA