The Australians really hold the magical secret when it comes to all wines bubbly:  the tantalizing and mesmerizing Sparkling Shiraz.  After perusing my “top secret Australian contacts,” I was informed there’s a new player out there:  Hungerford Hills.  This award-winning Australian (NSW) winery just launched its Sparkling Rose (not the rose of the boxed wine variety) but a sparkling bubbly that hints strawberry and blackcurrant and boasts a Pinor Noir base.  Hungerford Hills also touts three other luscious sparkling wines: Dalliance, Cardinal and Cuvee.   Dalliance Pinot Noir Chardonnay won “Sparkling Wine of the Year” at the NSW Wine Awards.  Yes, wines do actually win awards, especially in coveted  Wine-Land (aka Australia).

 If anyone asked me where I would want to go on my dream vacation, I would have to respond with vino zeal–Australia, of course (so I can sample all the fabulous Shiraz and its twin-sister bubblies!)

 Other top Sparkling Shiraz recommendations (I come from the Land Down Under…yes, the Australians win my top pick AGAIN!):

1. Banrock Station Sparkling Shiraz (Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2007)

2. Dorrien Estate Lockwood Smith Sparkling Shiraz (hails from the Barossa Valley that produces some of the most fabulous Australian wine)

3. Paringa 2004 Invidual Vineyard South Australia Sparkling Shiraz (for the low, low price of $10.99 and great fun to sip by itself!)

I know I’m obsessed with the Australian Shiraz.  Maybe I should just write a blog solely dedicated to all wine that is Sparkling Shiraz.

 Happy Fizzy Drinking!