By Keeva Stratton
Whether a fine French Champagne is required, or just a fun and fabulous sparkling, drinks of the bubbly variety tend to ooze fun and celebration. So rather than get your fizz in a tizz, follow our simple guide to sparkle through your next selection.
Champagne
As they say, if it’s not from Champagne in France, then it’s just bubbly. And with good reason. Most quaffers (quite rightly), will tell you that there is a distinct difference, and it can be in the taste, cellaring, traditions and even the bubble size (the smaller the better), of this the drink that brought bubbly to the world. There is something truly special about Champagne, and as such it should be reserved for special occasions.
Pairs with: Champagne is known for its versatility and pairs well with sweet to savoury, from strawberries, to steak.
Perfect for: important celebrations such as weddings, births, New Year and promotions.
Prosecco
Italians historically tend to know a thing or two about sparkling wine, with many claiming it was the Romans who planted the first Champagne varieties. But politics aside, what is gaining popularity in Australia, largely due to the Italian culinary influence, is Prosecco, a light, fragrant Northern Italian sparkling that is easy on the palate. Available in two varieties – Frizzante and Spumante (the former being slightly less bubbly than the latter) – Prosecco will lift cafe style fare to dizzying new heights, and for a lot less than its French neighbours.
Pairs with: cheese, antipasti and bruschetta.
Perfect for: starting a dinner party.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz (and other red varieties such as Rose), have proved to be quite the success for Australian winemakers, with South Australia leading the way – holding their weight well above their European counterparts. Boasting spicy after-notes, as well as aromas of plum and licorice, Sparkling Shiraz is a bold and spicy choice for the more adventurous – yet one worth making. A good Australian Sparkling Shiraz can typically be found for less than a twenty.
Pairs with: spicy curries and aromatic Asian dishes.
Perfect for: an Asian dinner out with friends.
Australian Sparkling
Commonly known as ‘Australian Sparkling’ are local sparkling wines made from cold climate, white variety grapes, predominantly chardonnay. Cheap and cheerful, and sometimes a little too easy on the palate, Australian Sparklings are all about flirty and fun, good girlie times.
Pairs with: salty starters and seafood.
Perfect for: starting (or finishing) an evening with the girls.
Brut
Brut is a term used to describe the drier varieties of sparkling wine. If you enjoy sauvignon, a brut may be an easy entry point into the world of sparkling. Generally cheaper than Champagne, and often made by prestigious wineries, Bruts offer typically a good, upper midrange solution to your sparkling needs.
Pairs with: all things savoury and rich – from eggs to cheese.
Perfect for: serving with hors d’oeuvres and finger food at a party.
To learn more about wine varieties visit:
https://www.nicks.com.au/
https://www.winediva.com.au/
https://wineintro.com/basics/