Sunday Drive 2022 Sparkling Shiraz - 12 Pack

THE WINE: Without question one of the most individual and idiosyncratic wine styles. Championed in Australia, this sparkling shiraz shows rich plummy and blackberry aromas with a delightful floral effervescence. The palate is rich, overflowing with berry and stone fruit and a creamy mousse with floral and garden herb complexity. A delicately balanced palate with fine tannins and a sweet fruit finish. Served well chilled.

THE VINTAGE: Experiencing a second La Niña year in a row made the 2021-2022 growing season a challenging year from a weather perspective. Cold weather conditions at flowering, meant crops were down in the region, but fruit quality, and ultimately wine quality, is outstanding.

THE WINEMAKING: The Shiraz grapes were picked in late March and early April at a baumé of between 13.8 and 14.2. The fruit was crushed to stainless steel tanks where the wine was inoculated with yeast and then the juice was pumped over twice daily to extract colour, flavour and fine tannins. Once the wine fermented to dryness, it was pressed to tank where it underwent MLF fermentation and maturation in tank for a year. The wine was then blended and fined for Charmat fermentation. The base wine was fermented slowly at 14°C with the natural CO² produced being retained in the wine. When the fermentation completed, it was chilled, filtered off yeast lees and trials were conducted to determine the expedition liqueur. The wine was bottled under pressure with a crown seal closure.

FOOD MATCHES: A versatile wine that can be enjoyed as an aperitif with fruit, cheese, or charcuterie, with roast turkey as a main or chocolate mousse for dessert.

WINE ANALYSIS: Alc/Vol 14.5%  PH 3.49  TA 6.25