Best bubbles for festive cheer
’Tis the season for family gatherings, festivities and fun. A good Christmas Day spread is a diverse one. These summer splashes tick all the boxes.
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’Tis the season for family gatherings, festivities and fun. A good Christmas Day spread is a diverse one. These summer splashes tick all the boxes.
Paracombe Wines
A Trio of Pinot Sparkling Rosé
Adelaide Hills
A dance-off of the pinot variety. Pinot gris, noir and blanc get frisky in this bottle of fizz. It’s pretty on the eye and the nose. The salmon pink hue is complemented by aromas of cherries and rose petals. Below the surface it’s all strawberries and cream. A delicate, bone dry crowd pleaser. A great accompaniment to gift wrapping (and un-wrapping).
$27
Shut The Gate Wines
2019 / For Love Watervale Riesling
Clare Valley
The winner of this year’s Hot 100 Wines SA and deservedly so. This Clare Valley riesling is both delicate and complex – much like a spider’s web. Citrus, peach, and nectarine glide across the palate like synchronised swimmers. Mouth watering, more-ish, and so darn ethereal it’s like something straight out of J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination. Serve with a seafood spread.
$28
Brash Higgins
2019 / ‘ZBO’ Zibibbo-Amphora
Riverland
Someone once asked me what wine I’d take with me to a deserted island. Easy. This drop by McLaren Vale-based winemaker Brad Hickey (aka Brash Higgins) is so full of personality it’s practically human. Zibibbo is an ancient, aromatic white grape known for its length and complexity. The fruit was wild fermented in clay amphorae on skins for 150 days and the wine leaps from the glass in an aromatic explosion of stone fruit, herbs and spice. A conversation starter and hands down my pick of the year.
$39
Hey Diddle Wines
2018 / Shiraz
Barossa Valley
Were you raised by a family of Port supporters? Make sure you tell this is the handiwork of Barossa-based winemaker Ben Chipman and Port Adelaide footy lads Tom Jonas, Toby Yap and Brad Ebert. Raised by Crows supporters? Don’t mention it. Either way, it’s a banging shiraz worthy of a place next to mum’s Christmas roast. A medley of dark black berries, a dash of pepper, a savoury finish and a pitter patter of tannins make this a winner – no matter who you barrack for.
$35
Seppeltsfield Wines
Para Rare Tawny
Barossa Valley
Santa has been working hard (let’s face it, so have you). Leave the old bloke in red a glass of something special this year. Lush and opulent from the get-go, it delivers waves of spiced fruit cake aromas, roasted nuts, and a slice of citrus peel. Best consumed with your feet up after the nippers are tucked into bed. It’s like a long, luxurious massage in a bottle … quite unforgettable.
$75