Sparkling Shiraz is a great drink but sadly it gets pigeonholed as a "Christmas drink". Park that idea and reap the reward when you pop that top off this on any of the other 364 days of the year.
Tuesday, 21 March 2023
Monday, 6 March 2023
Lagoon View Sparkling Cuvée 2022
I really like the simple pleasure of this fizz from the Goulburn Valley. It's a non-pretentious crowd-pleaser with an easy-going appeal.
Sunday, 29 January 2023
Mount Langhi Ghiran Blanc de Blanc 2017
Grampians Blanc de Blanc. It's light on the fizz, the first thing that caught my eye. A little more energy and spark would have been good. The cork was awfully pedestrian in its exit and needed some persuasion only to be missing a 'pop' of any sort. It could be bottle variation?
Friday, 30 December 2022
Thursday, 29 December 2022
Hillsdale Estate Sparkling Kristalwyn 2021
Blended with Vermentino, this comes from only the second producer of the Crystal variety in Australia.
Tuesday, 20 December 2022
Jansz Tasmania Vintage Cuvée 2018
Load up your festive cheer with this fabulous vintage Tasmanian sparkling. I'll have another glass pronto, please.
Sunday, 18 December 2022
Jansz Tasmania Late Disgorged Vintage Cuvée 2014
Jansz's Late Disgorged Vintage Cuvée 2014 has been held back to age on lees for an extra four years. The added complexity that the additional time has given this wonderful sparkling is telling. It's just another example of why consumers should drink more Australian sparkling rather than French imports.
Saturday, 8 October 2022
Clandestine Vineyards Break Free Bliss Bomb Pet Nat 2022
I'm happy to admit I'm yet to board the Pet Nat train although I'm open-minded enough to keep trying to find 'the one' to completely convert me. Clandestine Vineyards vintner Nick Stacy says this cheeky number will do just that.
Sunday, 2 October 2022
Levantine Hill Blanc de Blanc 2016
This is a great fizz from Levantine Hill. Classy stuff, I can't help but feel fancy with this in the glass. It offers yet another reason to support local rather than those mass produced Frenchies.
Friday, 30 September 2022
Yelland and Papps Sparkling Vermentino 2019
Vermentino has me thinking of sunshine and seafood but this sparkling carries some weight given the style.
Wednesday, 10 August 2022
Polka Lilly Pilly De-Alc Sparkling Cuvee 2021
The no and low alcohol market is going gangbusters at present. But do you want to drink wine or something made with the addition of grape juice concentrate? If you want the latter with some Lilly Pilly extract for good measure, maybe this is for you? You won't find me in the queue.
Sunday, 17 July 2022
Moorilla Extra Brut 2017
Muse is 'the subtle and complex' so the label says. And this exemplifies that. A fabulous glass of fizz from Tasmania's Moorilla, I'd happily recommend this ahead of those imported Frenchies at the same price point.
Thursday, 23 June 2022
The Flying Winemaker Prosecco NV
A crowd-pleasing King Valley Prosecco sure to put a smile on the dial for those looking for a cold glass of fizz.
Monday, 9 May 2022
Wednesday, 16 March 2022
O'Leary Walker Romalo Sparkling Shiraz NV
Named in honour of Norman and Hurtle Walker, Nick Walker's respective father and grandfather who spent over 100 years in the wine industry., the Romalo cellars were where they honed their craft. Wrap your lips around this tasty Sparkling Shiraz.
Monday, 14 March 2022
Howard Park Petit Jeté NV
Really enjoyable, this is a serious looking fizz that is not so serious on the hip pocket. Nicely done from the crew at Howard Park.
Friday, 25 February 2022
Tempus Two Prestige Cuvée NV
Gee, I like this. I went to taste a glass and it ended up in my belly. The refreshment factor is large.
Wednesday, 23 February 2022
The Natural Wine Co Lightly Sparkling Rosé 2021
The new The Natural Wine Co. Lightly Sparkling White and Rosé are organic, low in alcohol, low in calories, vegan and preservative free. “They’re somewhat of a niche wine, with few in the market,” says Canowindra's Jason O’Dea. “They allow people to ‘stay longer’. The wines are perfect for those looking to lower the amount of alcohol they are consuming, or simply for those wanting a refreshing, enjoyable wine with a touch of fizz.”
The Natural Wine Co Lightly Sparkling White 2021
Screw the cap and that little pop whispers refreshment. Yes! As the team at The Natural Wine Co say, "Enjoy our new world feel good wine."
Tuesday, 15 February 2022
Wicks Estate Pamela Vintage Sparkling 2015
There's depth here but it's dancy and energetic. It just makes you want to bound along for the ride. A superb sparkling wine from Wicks Estate.