Sparkling red wine is a distinctly Aussie speciality that combines the festive fizz of sparkling with the rich, bold flavours of red wine, most famously in the form of sparkling Shiraz. It’s a wine style with a long history here, originally called sparkling Burgundy in the late 1800s, and it still holds a special place on Aussie tables, especially around celebrations and barbies.

The classic sparkling red is made from Shiraz grapes, often from regions like the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Langhorne Creek. It pours a deep garnet or ruby red, with abundant fine bubbles and a mouthfeel that’s creamy yet lively. Flavours tend towards ripe dark berries like plum, blackberry, and cherry, layered with notes of spice, chocolate, cinnamon, and sometimes a subtle savoury edge. The wines can be dry or have a touch of sweetness, but all carry fresh acidity to keep things balanced and moreish.

Some of the best examples, like Rockford Black Shiraz, Peter Lehmann Black Queen, and Majella Sparkling Shiraz showcase how sparkling red can be both elegant and expressive. These wines often spend time ageing on lees to add complexity and texture, and sometimes incorporate a little port or barrel fermentation to deepen the flavour profile.