Sparkling Wine: The Hunter's Festive Fizz
- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
There's something magical about the pop of a cork and the cascade of bubbles rising in a glass – it's a sound that instantly transforms any moment into a celebration. As the festive season approaches, sparkling wine takes centre stage once again, but its role has evolved far beyond the midnight toast.
The sparkling wine revolution is real. Global production has surged 57% since 2002, with 2.5 billion bottles now produced annually – nearly 8% of the world's entire wine output. This dramatic rise reflects a fundamental shift in how we enjoy bubbles: they're no longer reserved for milestone moments but have become an everyday pleasure.
While Champagne remains the gold standard, protected by strict French regional laws and produced exclusively from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, the sparkling wine world extends across continents. From Portuguese Espumante to Spanish Cava and Italian Spumante, each region brings a distinct character to the glass.
Australia, and particularly the Hunter Valley, has carved its own innovative path. While most local producers work with the traditional Champagne trio, the Hunter has embraced experimentation – Semillon based sparklings offer an exciting regional twist, while Australia's signature Sparkling Shiraz presents a bold alternative that perfectly captures our winemaking spirit. Young examples burst with juicy fruit, while aged versions develop remarkable complexity.
The Hunter's sparkling wine scene offers impressive diversity. Classical Blanc de Blancs made purely from Chardonnay provide elegant sophistication, while Blanc de Noirs crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir deliver richer expressions. Most producers focus on consistent nonvintage blends, though exceptional years bring vintage releases that showcase terroir-driven character.
When it comes to food pairing, sparkling wine's versatility truly shines. Sparkling whites and Rosés create magical matches with freshly shucked oysters, seared scallops, or delicate sushi, while also complementing richer dishes featuring salmon or duck. Sparkling Shiraz pairs beautifully with glazed Christmas ham, traditional roasts, or even Chinese roast duck.
As celebrations unfold this season, remember that the real magic of sparkling wine lies not just in marking special occasions, but in recognising that any moment can sparkle. Check out our top picks for your own “Sparkling Dozen”.
Hungerford Hill
Dalliance Rosé 2021
This sparkling challenges the concepts and designs of what is called a modern Rosé. The desire for a pale, dry Rosé is stripped back to its finest levels. Made from the finest fruit sourced from Tumbarumba.
TASTING Resting on triage for three years, with added Pinot Noir, features a fine creamy bead and gentle citrus flavours perfect for celebrations.
FOOD MATCH Perfect with good cheer and merriment. Matched with the warm spring sun on a blanket or the searing summer sun by the water.
CELLARING Celebrations should happen soon and frequent, no sense in waiting.
PRICE $60.
Latitude 32 Wines
2025 Limited Release ‘Edward’ Semillon
Hand-picked from the award-winning T.O.M Vineyard, the 2025 ‘Edward’ Semillon epitomises the purity and precision for which the Hunter Valley is renowned.
TASTING Bright, pure and effortlessly refreshing, ‘Edward’ opens with lifted citrus, green apple and a whisper of lemongrass. The palate is finely structured with vibrant natural acidity, delivering length, precision and a clean, mineral finish.
FOOD MATCH Summer days, good friends and long, lingering conversations. A classic partner to seafood, white meat, cheese boards and bacon-and-egg breakfasts.
CELLARING Perfect to drink now or will cellar for 15+ years.
PRICE $35.
Bonvilla Estate
Villa Blanc Sparkling Chardonnay
This single vineyard sparkling Chardonnay is elegant and effervescent. Whether you’re toasting a milestone or just making an ordinary moment feel a little extra special, this will bring the sparkle.
TASTING Bright citrus, green apple and hints of toasted brioche. It’s crisp yet creamy with a dry, refreshing finish.
FOOD MATCH Pairs perfectly with eggs benedict, smoked salmon bagels or crab cakes.
CELLARING Drink now or up to 2 years.
PRICE $36.
DeCapel Wines
Little Dairy Sparkling Semillon Verdelho
Named after the deCapel Wines restored little dairy cellar door, this wine combines the citrus-driven, fresh elegance of Semillon with the tropical vivacity of Verdelho.
TASTING Crisp and refreshing with flavours of lemon, lime and green apple from the Semillon component, and rounded pineapple, tropical fruit charm from the dominant Verdelho. Fine bubbles enhance this wine’s freshness.
FOOD MATCH Perfect on its own or enjoy with light, fresh ingredients such as oysters, prawns, Asian food, goats cheese and vegetarian dishes
CELLARING Best to drink now, or cellar for a couple of years.
PRICE $35.
Elbourne Wines
2022 Black Pegasus Sparkling Shiraz
The ultimate Australian summer BBQ or Christmas Day sparkling! Quality Hunter Valley Shiraz has been specially selected to produce this delicious sparkling red sure to get any gathering off to the perfect start. Serve ice cold straight from the fridge and enjoy!
TASTING Bright red fruits with a hint of sweetness and subtle acid line to round out a full mouth flavour.
FOOD MATCH Honey glazed baked ham.
CELLARING Drink now to 2026.
PRICE $30.
Sobels wines
NV Sparkling Cuvée
Fermented in the charmat method, this Sparkling Cuvée is a Blanc de Blanc wine; 100% Chardonnay and aged on lees for six months.
TASTING Enticing notes of apricot, melon, honey and brioche, this sparkling wine is the perfect drink for all year round. Fresh citrus on the palate with a fine bead provide a generous mouthfeel and make for a beautifully food-friendly sparkling.
FOOD MATCH Fresh seafood: oysters, prawns or anything in between.
CELLARING 10 years.
PRICE $35.
Tamburlaine Organic Wines
NV Bull In A China Shop Prosecco
This cheeky, Prosecco is the best fun you can have any day. Early harvested, gently pressed, 10.5% ABV sparkle, it’s the fizz that ignites celebrations, summer rooftop toasts, backyard bashes or a day that ends in Y into pure, unfiltered joy.
TASTING Delicate aromas and lively acidity, presents a pale straw hue. Its bouquet enchants with fresh-cut apple and zesty lemon, while the palate dances with refreshing citrus and juicy pear, making it an ideal celebratory sip.
FOOD MATCH Prosciutto-wrapped melon with balsamic drizzle, Prawn cocktail with lemon-pear salsa, and goat cheese crostini with apple-pear compote.
CELLARING Keep cool, drink young.
PRICE $25.
Savannah Estate
NV Sparkling Brut
Savannah Estate Sparkling Brut is a celebration in every bubble, offering a sensory symphony that captivates the palate. TASTING This sparkling gem opens with crisp notes of apple and citrus. Delicate floral undertones add an elegant touch. On the palate, it unfolds with a lively burst of flavours. Hints of pear and stone fruit mingle harmoniously, creating a balanced and inviting taste experience. The effervescent bubbles contribute to a light, yet creamy texture that leaves a lasting impression of sophistication.
FOOD MATCH Fresh oysters, Korean fried chicken.
CELLARING Drink now!
PRICE $26.
Petersons Wines
Sparkling Shiraz
Nestled on basalt-rich slopes at Mount View, Petersons Wines is celebrated for its premium whites like Semillon and bold reds such as the iconic Back Block Shiraz.
TASTING A vibrant ruby-red wine offering lifted aromas of berries, dark chocolate, and spiced aniseed. The palate is rich with ripe blackcurrant and strawberry jam upfront, followed by notes of black pepper, jube-like sweetness, cardamom, and clove through the mid palate. It finishes softly with a long, dry, and cleansing back palate.
FOOD MATCH Peking duck pancakes, Char Siew pork or Chilli mud crab.
CELLARING Now – 2 years.
PRICE $35.
Peterson House
2023 Picpoul Blanc
Traditional bottle fermentation, on lees for one year, Slightly herbaceous on the nose. There is a floral note mixed with fresh apples.
TASTING The first impression is a mix of some citrus fruits, herbaceous cut grass and the mouthfeel of the yeast from bottle ageing. In the mid palate the citrus subsides, and the grassy and nutty notes are more prominent. The finish has some of the crisp acid of granny smith apples and the flavours of a stewed golden delicious.
FOOD MATCH Perfect for oysters or some spicy Thai food.
CELLARING Drink Now!
PRICE $37.
Tranquil Vale Vineyard
Pukka Traditional Method Sparkling
A Chardonnay and Semillon blend made using the traditional Champagne method. A clean, crisp palate with notes of green apple and pear.
TASTING The Pukka sparkling is fresh with bright acidity and delightful green apple and lemon notes. Keeping the wine with the lees during the winemaking process added complexity, creaminess and minerality.
FOOD MATCH Oysters, smoked salmon, soft cheeses, scallops, Japanese tempura.
CELLARING The Pukka is aged in the bottle prior to release making it perfect to drink right now and for the next 2 years.
PRICE $60.
Winmark Wines
Biosis Blanc de Blancs
Crafted from carefully selected fruit with only the “first cut” chosen for the base wine. Aged on lees for eighteen months, this elegant base wine evolves into a complex and refined Méthode Traditionnelle.
TASTING Pale straw with a fine, persistent bead. Floral aromas with notes of citrus and stone fruits. Crisp primary fruit flavours of grapefruit, white peach and nectarine are complemented by secondary notes of almonds and beeswax.
FOOD MATCH Perfect for any celebratory moment.
CELLARING Ready now.
PRICE $65.
