All Saints N/V Sparkling Shiraz

All Saints from Rutherglen is one of Australia's most historic wineries.

It's best known for its fortified range (Muscat, Topaque, Ports) but everything they make is worth considering, particularly this sparkling non-vintage Shiraz.

Cool weather suits fizzy Shiraz, a hearty grape that wields richness like a baker with buttery short crust pastry.

Serve this effervescent treat in traditional tulip shaped glasses or retro shallow coupes.

Let the complex tannin infused peppery blackberry palate bounce around your mouth. The finish lingers like a tropical sunset; stirring and memorable.

Chill down to around 12C. Let it breathe a bit.

Like most sparkling wines, this calls for starters but being a fairly full bodied red, main courses work well too.

A scamorza cheese sun-dried tomato tartlet with basil pesto is a racy match.

Anything savoury on shortcrust pastry will work actually.

Duck rillettes. Pork rillettes. Mushroom paté.

Pork wontons in a shitake broth.

Roast liver and apple stuffed capon would rise to the occasion.

So too would a roast turkey with chestnuts and onions.

A nice piece of Gruyère or Tilsit with a perfect apple would be a simply delightful pairing.

Sparkling reds are beyond novelty wines. It's a pity we don't drink more of them.