Tonight it is instance for a rather different style of fizz: the red variety. One of Australia’s specialities (or quirks, depending on how you look at it) is Sparkling Shiraz. I don’t know who it was who initially thought it might be a smart concept to produce a fizzy red, but their offbeat inspiration took off (to a degree), such that most big Aussie companies have one in their portfolio.

The one I’m drinking tonight is from Jacob’s Creek, but big type aside, it’s a really good one. whether you’ve never tried Sparkling red wine, that one would be a good place to start.

Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Shiraz NV South Eastern Australia
Visually that is gorgeous, with the bubbles foaming up a beautiful pink colour by the dark red black core of the wine. that wine shows lovely pure, sweet plum and blackcurrant fruit with a nice dark, meaty edge to it. It finishes with a nice spritzy tang from the bubbles. There’s a bit of sweetness here which adds to the texture, making it feel quite weighty. It’s very ripe, but the alcohol is quite low at 12.5%. A very interesting, different style of wine: it’s perhaps just a little too sweet to serve with most foods, although with its low tannin and sweetness it works pretty well with cheese. 89/100 (£8.49 Sainsbury’s)