Castagna Sparkling Genesis Syrah 2015 from Castagna in Beechworth, Victoria is a zero‑dosage, biodynamic sparkling Syrah that’s about as serious as Aussie sparkling red gets – black‑fruited, spicy and deeply savoury, yet still vibrant and alive in the glass. This 2015 Sparkling Genesis Syrah is built for proper occasions and long lunches rather than just novelty fizz.

On the nose, Castagna Sparkling Genesis Syrah 2015 is black and brooding – sweet ripe cherry‑to‑plum fruit, cassis, sandalwood and old leather with a lick of boot polish, cracked black pepper, dried thyme and star anise. The palate is supple, earthen, rich and round, meaty and spice‑laden, with a fine dry spice line, beautifully managed tannins and a moreish saline acidity underneath that gives wonderful fruit sweetness despite the zero dosage. Tight bubbles carry the flavour long into a savoury, complex finish.

Food‑wise, think Christmas ham, roast beef, duck, lamb racks and barbecued sausages – anything with richness, fat and a bit of char. It’s superb with hard cheeses and charcuterie as well, and best served just below room temperature, not fridge‑cold, so the fruit and spice really open up. Castagna Sparkling Genesis Syrah 2015 is the bottle you pull when you want something properly special, red and fizzy on an Australian table.