Alissa Jenkins and the wine lovers at Australian Traveller magazine put Aussie Sparkling Shiraz to the quaff test.
Shingleback Black Bubbles Sparkling Shiraz, NV
Deep garnet in colour, this award-winning bottle of bubbles has a great blackcurrant aroma, with a hint of liquorice and tobacco. The blackcurrant characters continue onto the palate, along with some subtle chocolaty goodness that is balanced by good acidity. It has a long finish and overall, a top example of this style. $22.95, shingleback.com.au
Peregrine Ridge Heathcote Sparkling Shiraz, NV
This is one for the sweet tooths – straight away, a sweet plum and blackcurrant nose sets the scene for big fruity flavours to come. More plums, cherries and spicy overtones coat the mouth, with medium bubbles and a soft finish. Very easy to drink! $34, peregrineridge.com.au
Jester Hill Sparkling Shiraz, 2009
Rich purple to look at; this sparkling red from Queensland’s Granite Belt has a savoury aroma, with a pepper and plum tinge. Some plum characters appear on the palate at first, but overall it is a dry drop, with good, rounded tannins that tend to linger. $30, jesterhillwines.com.au
