Eight at the Gate Wrattonbully Sparkling Shiraz NV

Sparkling reds is a category that many simply cannot come at. I have overseas friends who think that they are everything that is wrong with civilisation. Others think that they are gorgeous, a wonderful style full of flavour and fun. I would belong to the latter category. The wine is a mix of young and older vintages of Shiraz sourced from Limestone Coast vineyards. Fermentation is in open top fermenters, before half the wine spends at least two years ageing in oak barrels. The other half, the younger portion, is ‘current vintage’ (2021, in this case) fermented in stainless steel.

Foaming purple in colour, these might be a niche style but they really deserve a wider audience. Licorice, chocolate, violets, aniseed, all contribute to a charming plushness. The wine is medium length and there is some sweetness, which is in line with the style, but well balanced with the acidity. The palate moves more to plum pudding and cassis notes. Lots to love here so drink now – why wait?