Sparkling Shiraz: something a little less ordinary
Shiraz has blazed a path into the wine world as the Australian (and South African) version of Syrah. When made well, the result can be rich, spicy goodness draped in herbs and sometimes even chocolate. Consistent products come from Elderton, Penfolds, Hewitson, and though the last few vintages I had were not as good, the first one I fell in love with was Pike’s.
And apparently, Shiraz joins the ranks of other varietals turned into pink.
But what I want to urge you to try, if you haven’t already, is the sparkling version. I must admit, it’s a little disconcerting the first time you try it. The red bubbles in a flute conjure up all kinds of expectations until you don’t know what to expect. It’s rich with fruit as with the still version, yet it’s cold and tickles like sparkling wine tends to do. An assault on the senses, but the good kind.
I’ve only had the opportunity to try two. So when I moved to California, I was hoping for more options. However, the one that I ‘ve found here was available back home. Vixen by Fox Creek, and I do like it quite a bit. I love to give dinner parties and one of my favorites (despite its rocky start) had a sparkling wine theme, with the Vixen as the main star.
If anyone in the Bay Area knows of another sparkling Shiraz (or any red really), please share.
sparkling shiraz, sparkling red, Vixen, Fox Creek
October 21st, 2006 at 4:20 am
I was surprised by how much I liked sparkling Shiraz when I first tried it. I’d always thought of it as a novelty wine.
October 24th, 2006 at 9:44 am
Sparkling Shiraz sounds very interesting — I will have to try it. Farley, do you work in the wine industry? I used to work for Parducci and Van Duzer..