Description

Ripe, rich, porty and curranty nose, lively fizz, cassis and leather on the palate. This wine easily treads the line of sweet fruit and savoury structure with great length and bags of flavour. Try this Sparkling Shiraz with salumi and I would be drinking it soon but not quickly.

Established by the industry legend Stuart Anderson in 1969. Balgownie revived the grape growing history that had been dormant for 80 years. New owners in 1999 lead to expansion and vineyards in the Yarra Valley and some more elegant wine styles being made.

Bendigo

A central Victorian region that missed out when Heathcote wines took over. The robust and flavoursome wines of Bendigo don’t lack for anything except a true quality leading brand to raise awareness. Mostly reds and sparkling reds here with some whites and fortifieds rewarding those who look hard enough. Great conditions for growing grapes means the potential for greatness is there.

Shiraz/Syrah

A bit of a chameleon, Shiraz can change how it looks depending on terroir and/or wine maker influence. The Syrah based wines of Northern Rhone are dry and austere while the Shiraz of Barossa is rich and fleshy. A variety that lends itself to long aging but can be drunk at any time of its evolution.