De Bortoli, ‘Méthode Traditionnelle’ Sparkling Shiraz Durif, 2016, Rutherglen (GI)

'One-Liner'
A wonderfully distinctive Australian sparkling red, combining ripe dark berries and chocolate with savoury spice, creamy bubbles and beautifully softened tannins.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby with mature brick-red glints and a fine, persistent mousse, opening with blackberry, dark cherry and red berries alongside chocolate, cedar and gentle oak spice. The palate is rich and velvety, with a touch of sweetness balancing the wine’s chalky tannins and savoury development, while extended ageing brings notes of cocoa, warm spice and polished wood. Soft bubbles keep the generous fruit feeling lively, leading into a long, creamy and quietly complex finish.

Country: Australia
Region: Victoria
Sub-Region: Rutherglen GI
Grape(s): Shiraz, Durif
ABV: 13%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
This limited-edition sparkling red draws on Shiraz from the Burgoyne’s and Shelley’s vineyards on the eastern edge of Rutherglen, with Durif selected from blocks at Shelley’s Vineyard. The region’s gravel, clay and alluvial soils help produce richly flavoured fruit with the firm tannic structure needed for prolonged maturation. After the final blend was assembled, the wine spent four years in seasoned oak before undergoing its second fermentation in bottle, followed by a further two years resting on its lees. That unusually patient approach has softened the wine’s natural power, adding fine bubbles, creamy texture and mature savoury complexity to its generous dark fruit.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Barbecue duck with sticky berry glaze
- Vegetarian: Charred mushroom tacos with pickled onions and yoghurt sauce
- Vegan: Braised red cabbage with lentils and roasted onions