Intro to Majella Sparkling Shiraz – Majella Sparkling Shiraz from Coonawarra Australia is a soft yet vibrant red fizz with full damson and spice flavours and integrated tannins on the luscious palate. Full tasting note and wine making – Majella Sparkling Shiraz from Coonawarra is a vibrant deep red and the bouquet has oak derived vanilla, plums and spice. The palate is luscious with plum, cherry and raspberry fruit characters shining through and has tannin, acid and sugar balanced in just the right amounts. Primary fermentation was in stainless steel tanks initially and finished in French hogsheads. Secondary fermentation took place in bottle and the wine stayed on the lees for almost 48 months. The wine is then disgorged and a small amount of “liqueur” (sweetener) is added which in the true Aussie tradition they use some really fantastic vintage port. The wine is now packaged under a “Crown Seal” which eliminates any problems with leakage or cork taint. The producer – Brian ‘Prof’ Lynn, the effusive, yet self-deprecating voice of Majella Estate would never brag about his accolades but it’s clear he has a lot to be proud of. With some fantastic grapes, one of Australia’s best winemakers and a state of the art winery, Majella craft some of the finest wines in the country on one of the most revered ‘strips of dirt’ in the wine world. Bruce Gregory, who made the very first wine for Majella and has made every one ever since, is the inspiration behind one of Australia’s finest wines, The Malleea. This flagship wine is a masterpiece which, along with the Majella Cabernet Sauvignon, has entered Langton’s Classification of Australia’s Best Wines. Coonawarra lies only 60 miles inland, exposed to a maritime climate, with dry and moderately cool summers. Persistent cloud cover generally moderates the ripening period temperatures. The ‘Terra Rossa’ of Coonawarra is Australia’s most famous soil, renowned for its affinity with Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Drink with – It’s a great wine for any occasion, and goes well with most food styles particularly game, spicy foods and cured meats.
