Castagna Méthode Traditionelle Allegro Rosé 2017 from Castagna in Beechworth, Victoria is a serious sparkling Shiraz rosé that pours a copper–salmon hue and walks the line beautifully between playful bubbles and proper, food‑worthy structure. It’s very much a cool‑climate, Beechworth take on Aussie sparkling red, just in pink clothing.

On the nose, Castagna Allegro Rosé 2017 shows cherry, red berries and musk with earthy tones and a nip of bitter almond, backed by halva and nougat complexity from extended time on lees. The palate is rose‑bright and lively, packed with red‑berry fruit, zesty, briny acidity and cool, tight bubbles, with that halva–nougat note adding a gentle creaminess and savoury nuance so it feels almost like “berries and cream” in sparkling form.

Food‑wise, this is cracking with meaty or oily fish like salmon, tuna or ocean trout, as well as charcuterie, fried chicken and richer canapés. It’s also a brilliant festive option for roast chook, glazed ham or a summer seafood spread – Castagna Méthode Traditionelle Allegro Rosé 2017 is the sort of sparkling that’ll happily roll from aperitif through to the main course.