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Why it’s good to experiment

Jun 10, 2015

It’s easy to confuse an international visitor. Just give them vegemite and tell them it’s delicious and a national treasure. Follow that with some Sparkling Shiraz and they might start thinking Australians are a friendly but strange bunch. Maybe it is this confusion that makes us love these creations even more. Because we know something they don’t.

Much like Vegemite, Sparkling Red wine is still often misunderstood by many international wine consumers. As with most things, conservative preconceived notions can get in the way of true unbiased appreciation. Yes the French invented sparkling wine, and yes they are extremely good at it. However, we invented Sparkling Red, and yes we are very good at it!

Kay Brothers – Block 6 Old Vines

We as Aussies have a lot to be proud of. Innovation and experimentation have led to many uniquely Australian inventions. At the top of the list are such true blue products as the Hills Hoist, the Bionic Ear, Wi-Fi, Ultrasound, Black Box Flight Recorder, Zinc Cream, Solar Hot Water and the Polymer Bank Note just to name a few. And to toast these achievements let raise a glass of sparkling red, arguably the most delicious creation of them all.

Accordingly to our best records, Sparkling Red began in the 1880s as a result of applying French winemaking techniques to a grape variety which Australia has an abundance of; Shiraz. Originally called Sparkling Burgundy before Appellation Control was enforced, Sparkling Red Wine has experienced varying levels of demand over the years with a strong national resurgence in demand from the mid 1980s onwards.

Appreciating our significant wine heritage as a nation is important. Although to the rest of the world we are considered ‘New World’ wine, we have been perfecting our own wine production including Sparkling Shiraz for well over a century.

This proud Australian wine heritage is today reflected in local family wineries such as Kay Brothers of McLaren Vale. This now 3^rd & 4^th generation family company is by far one of the oldest wineries the region, and has built such a strong reputation (particularly for Shiraz) that’s its name is considered synonymous with the area. This year they are incredibly celebrating 125 years of making SA wine.

So what is the most fitting way to celebrate this extraordinary milestone? With their first release of Sparkling Shiraz of course. The Kays Brothers 125^th Anniversary Sparkling Shiraz NV was created over 6 vintages and is the perfect homage to not only their own history, but to the wine industry as a whole. This premium offering exemplifies everything we’ve come to love about the style. Alluring aromas of red fruits coupled with earthy and spicy notes. Then comes a creamy mouth feel with rich generous flavours and fine acidity on the finish. In regards to food-matching, it’s hard to go past the traditional bacon and eggs pairing. But the versatile wine can be just as easily enjoyed with an array of spicy cuisine dishes, cheese and fruit platters, or simply on its sumptuous own.

While across the globe traditional celebrations often involve raising a glass of Champagne or its equivalent, let’s celebrate with our own heritage. With more than 60 Sparkling Red producers now in Australia, we can join Kay Brothers Winery and revel in our complete individuality. Sparkling Shiraz is Australia in a glass. Bold, refreshing, and unapologetically unique.