Sparkling reds are made throughout the world. While the first ones that might come to mind might be red Lambrusco from Italy. They also include the lesser known, richer style sparkling reds made from shiraz, merlot and other favourite red grape varieties that are an Australian speciality. Without a doubt, they are an obvious choice for celebrations and festivities.

However, these wines are also delicious for every season, and for any reason!

Sparkling reds? What are they?

Sparkling red wines are just as the name suggests. Wines that have bubbles AND are a deeply coloured red.

Many of these wines are made from 100% red wine grapes which is the reverse of some white sparkling wines which could be made from some red wine grapes. Of course, in those white sparkling wines the red wine grapes have had no skin contact so retain a pale yellow colour.

It is the contact with the red grapes that give these sparkling reds their intriguing hue. As well as their tannin structure needed to shape these lush wines.

Of course, they are made throughout the world.

How are they made?

Many sparkling red wines are made using the traditional method of making sparkling wine. Just like Champagne. That means a dry style red wine is fermented, and may have been matured in oak, and then the wine is bottled with some additional wine, yeast and sugar and sealed with a crown cap. This mix then ferments for a second time and creates the finely textured bubbles these red wines are renowned for.

The wine spends time in contact with the dead yeast cells, developing additional complexity and smoothness. The very best of these wines might also have some cellared red wines added before the second fermentation.

The grape varieties that are commonly used are shiraz and merlot. In our store, d’Arenberg’s The Peppermint Paddock is a rich, ripe and berrylicious sparkling red made from Chambourcin and Graciano. Click here to read about it.

Something you didn’t know!

This is not a new style of wine. For instance in Australia, Sparkling red wines have been made since 1880’s. It is probably most noted that the Great Western Winery, now known as Seppelt Wines, made a ‘sparkling Burgundy’ around 1894.

What to pair this red wine with….

These sparkling red wines are very food worthy and adaptable. However, they also do not need any food at all. They are very enjoyable just as they are.

If you do wish to serve these sparkling red wines with food, bold flavoured foods work just as well as tasty appetisers. When we pour sparkling red at our dinner tastings, they are an excellent match with black bean beef, or slow cooked ribs with five spice and anise sauce. They will also match duck, lamb and Stilton cheese. Even a tasty burger or venison, particularly if you served with beetroot.

Editors note: Try these wines also match eggs with bacon or ham at any time of day. It is a well known Australian wine trade tip!

Wines to try….

SERVING HINT: Serve at around 12-14^oC temperature. It is a wine that improves with some time in glass before drinking OR have the bottle open for about 5-10 minutes before pouring. A red wine glass works well here or a wider than usual Champagne flute.