- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
The Sparkling Dozen | Festive Drops
We've collated the Sparkling Dozen... the 12 best sparkling wines to drink this season!
Hungerford Hill
Carindal
An aussie twist on a classic red wine. Pioneered in the late 19th century by Australian winemakers and combines full bodied Shiraz with the complexity of natural effervescence from secondary fermentation.
TASTING Vibrant deep red in colour with a fine bead. The aroma is abound with savoury leather, spice and plum whilst the palate is soft, luscious and creamy, and full of spicy red berry fruit.
FOOD MATCH Hearty breakfasts; thick cut bacon, fried eggs, beans, with spinach and buttered toast. Oven roasted spiced eggplant on a bed of parmeasan french fries.
CELLARING It's the season to sparkle! Why let it sit when we can pop and party?!
PRICE $45
Talits Estate
2021 Été Sparkling
Talits Estate vineyard is James Halliday rated and has won multiple awards in boutique and Australian/NZ wine shows. In 2021, Talits Estate was a finalist in the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association’s “Cellar Door of The Year” Awards.
TASTING Light, dry, delicate and sparkling. Soft and rounded on the mouth palate with the perfect blend of floral, earth and creamy tones. Pop, clink and cheers.
FOOD MATCH Brunch, barbecue and chocolate! Bon appétit!
CELLARING Drinking beautifully now - proceed with "joie de vivre”.
PRICE $40
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 green apple and citrus, imparting a refreshing zest. Delicate floral undertones gracefully dance in the background, adding an elegant touch to the overall profile. On the palate, the Savannah Estate Sparkling Brut unfolds with a lively burst of flavours. Vivacious 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 lingers, leaving a lasting impression of sophistication.
FOOD MATCH Fresh oysters, Korean fried chicken
CELLARING Drink now!
PRICE $26
Elbourne Wines
2022 “Black Pegasus” Sparkling Shiraz
A delightful festive season sparkling, produced from quality single vineyard Hunter Valley Shiraz. Luxurious red berry notes explode with a subtle off dry palate making this an extremley “moreish” sparkling red for all occasions.
TASTING Red current, sweet plum, cherries and spices.
FOOD MATCH Sweet glazed Christmas ham.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar for 1 to 3 years.
PRICE $30
Talits Estate
2014 Blanc de Blancs
Blanc de Blancs is the French term for ‘white from whites’ and refers to the classic Champagne style of sparkling wine made entirely from Chardonnay. The Chardonnay used in this wine is sourced from 40 year old vines.
TASTING This Blanc de Blancs is fresh and lively with the palate displaying citrus green apple and grapefruit characters with some yeasty overtones. It has a creamy mousse, a fine elegant bead and a crisp long finish. The wine underwent secondary fermentation in the bottle and was aged on lees for 7 years before riddling and disgorge.
FOOD MATCH Fresh oysters, goats cheese and figs, trout, lobster and sashimi.
CELLARING Drinking beautifully now but can age another 10 years.
PRICE $40
Bonvilla Estate
Bubbly Miss B
A fresh and lively Rosé with rich fruit flavours, and delightful aromas of rose petals, wild berry sorbet and watermelon. Clean and refreshing this wine is perfect for any occasion.
TASTING Rose petals. wild berries, sorbet.
FOOD MATCH Salt and pepper cuttlefish with lime & chilli mayonnaise – Recipe by Jo Minett (Rocksalt Restaurant)
CELLARING Drink now.
PRICE $38
Peterson House
Rouge Lissé
Rouge Lisse roughly translates as Smooth Red. Made in a Moscato style the addition of a blend of red wine adds body and depth. Ripe Muscat dominates the aroma. It is like a bag of musk sticks straight from the lolly counter.
TASTING A batch which blends Muscat and a mix of red wines for a luscious rich taste sensation. The Chambourcin, Cabernet and Shiraz blend adds depth and body and some rich strawberry notes in the mid palate. The Turkish delight notes from the Muscat combine to totally fill the palate. The bubbles temper the sweetness and a clean acid note ensures the wine finishes smooth and crisp.
FOOD MATCH Great to accompany dessert. Was Pavlova invented by us Aussies for this? Add it to chocolate truffles and you are truly indulging.
CELLARING Sparkling wines are made to be served cold – less than 4°C Store for 24 hours in a domestic fridge prior to opening or leave in wet ice for 2 to 3 hours.
PRICE $34
Blueberry Hill Vineyard
2023 Blanc de Blancs
Fresh and bubbly, our 2023 Blanc de Blancs is a Charmat method sparkling Chardonnay. Light and fresh, the nose of fresh green apples is complemented by an almost pear cider like palate, which is carried beautifully by the fine bubbles and creamy texture created by the Charmat sparkling process.
TASTING Green apples, soft pears and gentle citrus; with a creamy, biscuit finish.
FOOD MATCH Fresh seafood.
CELLARING Drink now to 5 years.
PRICE $45
Wandin Estate
2016 ICON Blanc De Blancs
The 2016 Hunter Valley Sparkling Chardonnay has been aged to perfection. Hailing from Wandin’s oldest Chardonnay vines, this is an elegant sparkling wine that should be at the start of every celebration.
TASTING Notes of toasted brioche, crisp green apple and a creamy texture, this wine has great depth and a persistent finish.
FOOD MATCH Freshly shucked oysters or swordfish ceviche with a green salad
CELLARING Drink now to 2026.
PRICE $50
Lisa McGuigan Wines
Lisa McGuigan Renaissance Prosecco
This Prosecco is made from the traditional grape variety Glera (the true name of Prosecco). A crisp, elegant effervescence from carbonation creates an approachable, versatile sparkling wine that is perfect for all occasion. Don't wait for a special occasion to crack some bubbles, create one now!
TASTING A fresh, lively, crisp and pleasantly dry sparkling wine, complemented with delicious flavours ripe peach, honey suckle and zesty citrus.
FOOD MATCH The perfect addition to any occasion so create one now!
CELLARING This is perfect for drinking now.
PRICE $40
De Bortoli Wines Hunter Valley
King Valley Prosecco
The King Valley is Australia’s natural home for Prosecco. De Bortoli and many other grape growing families in the region, originated from Northern Italy where the Prosecco grape is indigenous. Across the globe, Prosecco has taken the world by storm. This style is gentle, easy, and the perfect summer sparkler!
TASTING This Prosecco is fruit-driven and pale with green hues. It tastes of green apple and pear with fresh pithy lemon, gentle creaminess, complete with the very fine bubbles that we call ‘bead’.
FOOD MATCH This wine is great on its own or enjoyed with fresh seafood, savoury cheeses, cured meats and fruits.
CELLARING Perfect to drink now or over the next 18 months.
PRICE $17.95
Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Wine Lovers Scarlett Bubbles
Just like the graddaughter of Mark and Lou Davidson, Scarlett; is one of a kind, a little wild, and great fun. Good for any vibrant social occasion.
TASTING TWith fresh strawberries on the nose and delicious raspberry notes on the palate, Scarlett is a deliciously aromatic sparkling rosé with a touch of sweetness.
FOOD MATCH Best paired with your favourite Christmas dessert or fresh fruit!
CELLARING One to drink now.
PRICE $25
