NV Bleasdale "The Red Brute" Sparkling Shiraz

Specs:

NV Bleasdale "The Red Brute" Sparkling Shiraz

Fleurieu

Austarlia (South)

14% Alcohol

100% Syrah

http://www.bleasdale.com.au/

$18.00

Notes:

As far as Sparkling Shiraz goes this was definitely my first go at it. Sparkling Shiraz is a holiday treat in Australia; something to pair with a hearty Christmas meal or as an aperitif. There are many producers of this wine in Australia and they come in a variety of price ranges and qualities. The label alone was enough to catch my attention, but it was mainly the striking color of this wine in the glass. The color is a deep, dark, almost opaque crimson with minimal bubbles floating to the surface. Due to the high alcohol in Shiraz the usual fizz you would find in your average champagne doesn't form.

On the nose you get a generous helping of ripe red fruit; black cherry, currant, blackberries, and a hint of blueberry and spice are at the forefront of the wines aroma. On the palate the wine is smooth, silky and rich with a slight hint of bubble on the tongue. The flavors mirror the scent with luscious fruit, spice, and hints of smoke on the finish. This is definitely an approachable wine with the elegance of sparking wine or champagne and the everyday appeal I look for. This is an amazing value for the rich flavors it presents.

This sparking Shiraz would pair well with hearty meats, barbecue, duck; almost anything with big flavor that can stand up to the dark flavors of this wine.