1DAOSA Sparkling Rosé 2021
Piccadilly Valley / $65
Unquestionably rosé in colour and flavour, with a dominant pinot noir feel from start to finish, aided by a small percentage of chardonnay and an even tinier dollop of pinot meunier – all in a respectful nod to traditional Champagne winemaking and styling. Neat pink in the glass, definite strawberry vibes with bright, zinging fresh berry acidity refreshment. Try also its DAOSA siblings: “Natural Reserve” and top shelf 2018 Blanc de Blancs with more than 40 months bottle maturation.
2Petaluma Croser NV
Adelaide Hills / $25
Sourced from across the Hills in 63:37 proportions of pinot noir and chardonnay and created via the traditional method of bottle fermentation – unbelievable, really, when you consider the price. It sits in that classic strawberry and cream style, with subtle complexities arising from its intricate winemaking. Other Croser iterations include a smart Blanc de Blancs NV as well as an elite Late Disgorged 2011 Vintage.
3Deviation Road Loftia 2020
Adelaide Hills / $48
Without doubt Deviation Road’s range of fine sparklings are the benchmark in the Hills, and right up there nationally as well. The Loftia in 2020 is 90% high country chardonnay with 10% pinot noir, made in the traditional ferment method with three years maturation in the same bottle you pour. It’s a mouthwatering, aperitif style, with lovely green apple crunch and salivating minerally/chalky finish. Don’t waste your cash on French Champagne – this and its elite sibling Beltana Blanc de Blancs are fabulous.
4Sidewood Sparkling NV
Adelaide Hills / $24
One of several Sidewood sparklers, this has so much going for it at the price: a classic combination of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay that has an enticing aromatic depth and attractive strawberry and creamy flavour profile, even finishing with a chalky textural dryness that is more often seen in much more elite styles. Excellent value.
5Bleasdale NV Sparkling Shiraz
Langhorne Creek / $24
The quintessential all-day sparkling red, with extraordinary complex multi-vintage winemaking that includes blending base wines from every vintage since 1997, as well as a little of Langhorne Creek’s secret weapon, malbec. There’s a spiced plum undertone with fresh berry top notes, a lively bubble through the glass and, satisfyingly, it’s deftly not too sweet in the finish. Simply delicious and a wonderful local surprise for interstate or international visitors.
6Kimbolton Bella Monte Sparkling Montepulciano 2021
Langhorne Creek / $40
Now this is one special treat, directing an emerging Italian variety into a very South Australian celebratory sparkling expression. Montepulciano as a table wine is garnering plenty of accolades from this family Langhorne Creek producer, and putting it through a traditional method process for 12 months maturation in the bottle has delivered a delicious result, a vibrant purple when poured, Christmas cake like feels with faint choc-mint notes and dark cherry cola elements as well, finishing with a feathery mouth sense. Looks great at the table – tastes even better.