Sparkling Red Wine

GrahamB · Post by **GrahamB** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:08 pm

I have been a lover of sparkling reds for quite a while. I can even remember drinking Minchinbury Sparkling Burgundy.

I have favourites that I buy each year and have listed them here. I know the bigot brothers have been known to tinker with their tastebuds on occasions.

What are your favourites? Rank then with the wines listed within price bracket.

Sparkling Red Wine

Under $10

DeBortoli Sparkling Petit Syrah (formally Sparkling Durif)

Under $20

Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz
Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz

Under $30

Foggo's Sparkling Black Mariah

Under $40

Langmeil Sparkling Shiraz NV
Majella Sparkling Shiraz

Under $50

Joseph Sparkling Shiraz NV

St Hallets Sparkling Shiraz

Over $50

Rockford Black Shiraz NV

Wayno · Post by **Wayno** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:20 pm

Majella Sparkling is superb, had a bottle at Xmas and I thought it made more of an impression than the three Rockfords blacks of varying vintages we had over the break.

Primo Joseph is also a favourite, so characterful, rich and deep and with a cool bottle to boot. Probably my favourite, although I've admittedly only had it a couple of times.

Rockfords Black is a good wine and I've enjoyed every one I've had but I couldn't justify paying more than cellar door price for it as I don't see it as a champion over some of the others, on quality alone. Ironically, I think it's best with a few years on it, contrary to Rockford's insistence a year or so back that it's designed to be drunk early to avoid cork leak. To me, early, it is a generally fairly simple wine and not worth the dosh.

I've heard excellent things about Ashton Hills sparkling red but never managed to try it... it evidently has impeccable heritage.

Maroon&Blue · Post by **Maroon&Blue** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 6:41 pm

Only one for me....Gibsons Sparkling Merlot an oldy but a very goody...

Taswegian · Post by **Taswegian** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:45 pm

Lehman Black Queen.............
especially now its available outside of cellar door.

But seriously, as one from the more intelligent island off the east coast of Australia, I have always wondered at the interest in a sparkling red.
Only now, in my maturity, have I come to appreciate a good sparkling rouge.

uncorked · Post by **uncorked** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:00 pm

Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz always great value and although a bit simple, always reliable and never disappoints.
Peter Lehmann Black Queen I like this wine - great colour and flavour and very consistent over the years.
Rockford Black Shiraz Saw someone say it was over $100 on a recent post - what the? Buy it from the winery for just over $50 (when it's available) I've never had a dud of this - it's always been just brilliant and never enough in the bottle. Give me more!
I've had a host of others - the cheaper ones always seem overly sweet and simple which is not what I think these wines are all about. With in reason you get what you pay for.....

Daryl Douglas · Post by **Daryl Douglas** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:05 pm

Zero interest in red bubbles, minimal interest in white bubbles. Obviously, I haven't tried it but as you're interested in FRS, I've noticed that Tahbilk offer a sparkling shiraz 2005 for $22.95 (club members $20.65).

Cheers

daz

Daryl Douglas · Post by **Daryl Douglas** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:18 am

Zero interest in red bubbles, minimal interest in white bubbles. Obviously, I haven't tried it but as you're interested in FRS, I've noticed that Tahbilk offer a sparkling shiraz 2005 for $22.95 (club members $20.65).

Cheers

daz

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:13 am

Under $20

Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz
Tahbilk
Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz

Under $30

Foggo's Sparkling Black Mariah
Brown Bros Heathcote

Under $40

Peter Lehmann Black Queen
Majella Sparkling Shiraz
Langmeil Sparkling Shiraz NV

Under $50

Leashingham Classic Clare
St Hallets Sparkling Shiraz

Over $50

Joseph Sparkling Shiraz NV
Rockford Black Shiraz NV[/quote]

Nayan · Post by **Nayan** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 7:43 am

Not sure about the specific prices, but I always enjoyed the Mount Jagged as a cheapy and the Stephen George's Old Vine Sparkling Red as something for a more special occasion.

Bick · Post by **Bick** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 7:47 am

What temp is best for fizzy shiraz?

Nayan · Post by **Nayan** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:20 am

Bick wrote:What temp is best for fizzy shiraz?

For a simple fruity style with low tannin, then 5 - 8 C.

For more complex, higher tannin and more ageworthy examples then somewhere in the region of 10 - 14 C.

But it really is down to personal preference.

fivewells · Post by **fivewells** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 1:21 pm

GrahamB,

Having always enjoyed - Sparkling Shiraz, I found a past episode from Gary Vaynerchuk's USA great wine tasting daily records : see : home page http://tv.winelibrary.com and the specific one which had the Majella .....

Have a look - amazing comments - Majella Sparkling Shriaz

http://tv.winelibrary.com/2007/04/09/sp ... isode-211/

Many other good ones mentioned above, my other favorite is : Seppelts Sparkling Shiraz, Show Reserve

PS : Of note both Majella and Seppelts have used 'CROWN' seals on their sparkling shiraz champange bottles, (from time to time) works very well, and the 1994 Seppelt I have (with CROWN), opens like new.

Regards Geoff

Scanlon · Post by **Scanlon** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 2:41 pm

Wayno wrote:
I've heard excellent things about Ashton Hills sparkling red but never managed to try it... it evidently has impeccable heritage.

This is lovely, and available from a few places (but perhaps see whether Gavin can sort you out first)

Brucer · Post by **Brucer** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 2:45 pm

As well as whats been mentioned, I also like Anderson Sparkling shiraz, from Rutherglen, and Charlie Melton Sparkling shiraz.

94 Leasingham Classic Clare Sparkling is still one of the best IMO

Bruce

GrahamB · Post by **GrahamB** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:16 pm

I have looked at the suggested sparkling reds and put them in their price bracket. Some wines I could not get a price on.

Sparkling Red Wine

Under $10

DeBortoli Sparkling Petit Syrah (formally Sparkling Durif)

Under $20

Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz
Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz

Under $30

Foggo's Sparkling Black Mariah
Tahbilk Sparkling Shiraz
Brown Bros Heathcote Sparkling Shiraz

Under $40

Majella Sparkling Shiraz
Langmeil Sparkling Shiraz NV
Peter Lehman Black Queen

Under $50

Joseph Sparkling Shiraz NV (Ric, I put this in under $50 as that is what the Irishman sells it for)
Leashingham Classic Clare
Turkey Flat Sparkling Shiraz
St Hallets Sparkling Shiraz

Over $50

Rockford Black Shiraz NV
Seppelts Show Reserve (Not currently available)
Charlie Melton Sparkling Shiraz

I couldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t get prices on these
Mount Jagged
Stephen George's Old Vine Sparkling Red
Ashton Hills sparkling red
Anderson Sparkling shiraz, from Rutherglen

Brucer · Post by **Brucer** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 12:56 pm

Anderson is around $28
Charlie melton is around $48
Ashton Hills and Stephen George are one and the same, in the under $50 bracket
cheers

Daniel Jess · Post by **Daniel Jess** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 12:37 am

And nowhere did I read "PEEL ESTATE SPARKLING SHIRAZ".

Shame on you people. ;)

The 2003 was exceptional, but almost gone... unless you look in my cellar!

Think it was <$14.

Nayan · Post by **Nayan** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:37 am

The Mount Jagged comes in around $10 - 12 IIRC

drlev · Post by **drlev** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 12:25 am

Seppelt Show Sparkling Shiraz from 1994 was amazing. Very different to the Original. Unfortunately, most of my bottles seem Brett affected and it was around $45 mark.

griff · Post by **griff** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 12:41 am

The Ashton Hills that Scanlon brought over was superb.

Other great Sparkly reds for me would be the Seppelt (not now), Leasingham (didn't like that last two releases for different reasons), Rockford (slightly variable and the cork issue bites),
Elderton (hmm nothing bad to say about this one - a great medium weight wine. Should get more often).
Joseph (likewise a great wine)

Yet to try the latest and greatest Castagna.

Below the $40 to $50 mark I would say the following

Majella with a bullet!
Gibson is great value
Yalumba D (98 was superb, 99 excellent).
Wirra Wirra (a very dry type)
Knappstein (not bad for the price but not had lately)
Have enjoyed Cofield in the past but not lately.

And then to under $20
Seppelt oh seppelt!
Honorable mention to Bleasdale

And the cheapies:
Mt jagged is great for the price. Even better under $10 as a cleanskin and under crown. Was the house bubbly for a while
Distant second would be Banrot (I mean Banrock)

Anderson and Langmeil look interesting and will be on the radar from now on.

Sure I have forgotten a few but then sparkling red tends to cause that

cheers

Carl

griff · Post by **griff** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 5:10 pm

Thought I should put this here rather than the Sunday thread as it was the inspiration for the purchase.

Walked into a bottleshop in Perth and saw a bottle of sparkling red that I hadn't seen before. Funky label but more importantly it said nice things on the back including eden valley, planted 1932.

Sorby Adams "Morticia" Sparkling Shiraz NV
A light dark plum clearing at the edges. Bubbles have a pink tint. Plum spice on the nose yet slightly subdued. Elegant crisp palate. A medium weight in body yet coats the mouth well. Lingering finish. I love balance and this has it. Some may quibble that it is slightly sweet but it is a subtle if at all. Excellent and great value at just over the $20 mark. Inspired me to look it up. Apparently 13.8% and from 2004/2005 fruit aged in French oak for a year before put into bottle for bubbly production. Contains 8% cabernet as well. Seems Eden valley fruit make a decent sparkler. Any others that anyone knows of?

cheers

Carl

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 6:21 pm

griff wrote:Thought I should put this here rather than the Sunday thread as it was the inspiration for the purchase.

Walked into a bottleshop in Perth and saw a bottle of sparkling red that I hadn't seen before. Funky label but more importantly it said nice things on the back including eden valley, planted 1932.

Sorby Adams "Morticia" Sparkling Shiraz NV
A light dark plum clearing at the edges. Bubbles have a pink tint. Plum spice on the nose yet slightly subdued. Elegant crisp palate. A medium weight in body yet coats the mouth well. Lingering finish. I love balance and this has it. Some may quibble that it is slightly sweet but it is a subtle if at all. Excellent and great value at just over the $20 mark. Inspired me to look it up. Apparently 13.8% and from 2004/2005 fruit aged in French oak for a year before put into bottle for bubbly production. Contains 8% cabernet as well. Seems Eden valley fruit make a decent sparkler. Any others that anyone knows of?

cheers

Carl

Carl, I tried this at the Taste of Eden outlet in the main street of Angaston (well worth a visit if you are in the area) and liked it enough to buy 6, with some other Eden Valley Shiraz to make up the case.

I don't know of any other all-EV sparkling reds, but I'm sure some EV fruit makes it into some other Barossa sparkling reds.

griff · Post by **griff** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 7:19 pm

Red Bigot wrote:
griff wrote:Thought I should put this here rather than the Sunday thread as it was the inspiration for the purchase.

Walked into a bottleshop in Perth and saw a bottle of sparkling red that I hadn't seen before. Funky label but more importantly it said nice things on the back including eden valley, planted 1932.

Sorby Adams "Morticia" Sparkling Shiraz NV
A light dark plum clearing at the edges. Bubbles have a pink tint. Plum spice on the nose yet slightly subdued. Elegant crisp palate. A medium weight in body yet coats the mouth well. Lingering finish. I love balance and this has it. Some may quibble that it is slightly sweet but it is a subtle if at all. Excellent and great value at just over the $20 mark. Inspired me to look it up. Apparently 13.8% and from 2004/2005 fruit aged in French oak for a year before put into bottle for bubbly production. Contains 8% cabernet as well. Seems Eden valley fruit make a decent sparkler. Any others that anyone knows of?

cheers

Carl

Carl, I tried this at the Taste of Eden outlet in the main street of Angaston (well worth a visit if you are in the area) and liked it enough to buy 6, with some other Eden Valley Shiraz to make up the case.

I don't know of any other all-EV sparkling reds, but I'm sure some EV fruit makes it into some other Barossa sparkling reds.

Nice to hear that someone else has tried this one. Shall have to be on the lookout for other Eden bubbles as well. I have to admit that the Schist block fruit would be fantastic as a bubbly!

cheers

Carl

Lagare Lout · Post by **Lagare Lout** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:49 pm

Warning - Blatant Commercial Content

Gavin has the Karatta Cuvee Cabernet Shiraz from the Limestone Coast (66% Robe, 34% Padthaway), was the runner up for Winestate Sparkling Wine of the Year (and highest pointed Sparkling Red). Cooler climate in style, fair whack of older base wines in oak for 5 years.

The new releases of Lara Pinta are very good, not a fan of the older wines which were Riverland based. Now using predominantly Clare + Eden Valley base wine, sells for around $10 per bottle. Mostly goes overseas.

Raydon Estate Penny Bubbles Shiraz at around $16-$18. Took one of these to an offline a while back, but the wine was only just released and not really all together. Langhorne Creek Shiraz, in oak for 18 months, looks like old school Metala Black Label made into Splurgundy. Serious fruit depth.

End of rant on current release sparkling reds that I have made. Didn't even mention my own Sparkling Shiraz...

GrahamB · Post by **GrahamB** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:17 pm

I sourced a bottle of the Mt Jagged Sparkling NV Red last week and had it tonight. Great VFM and very nice.

Wife still prefers Rockford.

griff · Post by **griff** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:34 pm

GrahamB wrote:I sourced a bottle of the Mt Jagged Sparkling NV Red last week and had it tonight. Great VFM and very nice.

Wife still prefers Rockford.

My better half was of a similar opinion!

You get in trouble for spending too much and then they go and like the expensive ones :lol:

cheers

Carl

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