FOOD PAIRING

A great new vintage Sparkling Red from Taltarni! By applying méthode traditionnelle to their red bubbles, Taltarni has turned this Aussie wine style into a treasure with this particular wine awarded 90pts by James Halliday. The beautiful Taltarni vineyard in the Pyrenees wine region of Victoria was established some 50 years ago, after being discovered by John Goelet, a direct descendant of the Guestier wine merchant family of Bordeaux, in a worldwide search for a site comparable to the great vineyards of Bordeaux. And from this exceptional site, Taltarni consistently produces wines of elegance and balance that uniquely express the terroir of this picturesque region, while also proudly implementing environmentally friendly practices that will ensure the long-term quality of their grapes. Though quite un-French, this Sparkling Shiraz was aged in French oak barriques for 6 months before being prepared for tirage in accordance with the traditional method. After approximately 10 months on lees to further develop the wine and add to the creamy palate, the wine was disgorged, and a bright liqueur was added, all to make an exceptional Sparkling Shiraz even for Australian standards. With floral aromas and flavours of ripe plum and raspberry, the wine is underpinned with notes of spiced chocolate and sweet oak. On the palate the sweetness has married perfectly with robust tannins from the cold Pyrenees climate to produce a velvety texture. This wine has the elegance and structure expected from this terroir and delivers in every aspect required from this fantastic style. Drinks beautifully now but will also cellar for another 5 years. Serve with whole roasted turkey, next to a full cheese platter or as an aperitif with a twist.