Here’s something deliciously unusual: Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz NV, a wine that manages to be both full-bodied and fizzy, rich yet refreshing, and festive without losing its serious side. If you’ve never tried sparkling red, this South Australian classic is the place to start. It’s as bold and characterful and a lot of fun.

In the glass, it pours a deep ruby, almost inky, with a lively mousse that hints at its playful side. But don’t be fooled, it’s anything but simple. The nose is pronounced and opulent, brimming with dark, ripe fruit: blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry alongside juicy red notes of strawberry, cranberry, and cherry pie. Add in a bouquet of violet and rose petals, and it’s like being handed a bouquet with a side of spiced compote.

There’s more though, this wine is layered. Behind the fruit, there’s a whisper of eucalyptus (classic Aussie Shiraz), black pepper and liquorice spice, and a deeper backdrop of clove, toasted oak and a cedar box of old cigars. It finishes with hints of dried prunes, tobacco and a dusty earthiness that give it a lovely rustic edge. It’s rich, warming, and more complex than you might expect from a sparkling wine.

On the palate, it’s medium-dry, sweet, but not dessert-wine sweet. There’s enough acidity to keep it lifted, a full body that wraps around your palate like a velvet curtain, and ripe, soft tannins that give it structure without harshness. The fizz is creamy and well-integrated, giving everything a playful pop without overwhelming the depth.

It’s a very good wine, full of clearly defined, expressive flavours and balanced beautifully between fruit, spice, sweetness and structure. The finish lingers nicely with a touch of cocoa, spice and cherry jam, though it stops just short of the length you’d expect in truly outstanding wines. Still, it more than earns its stripes.

This is not a wine to tuck away for years, its charm lies in the freshness of its fruit, the vibrancy of its bubbles and the immediate pleasure it delivers in the glass. Leave it too long and that beautiful fruit and floral lift will begin to fade.

Nice slightly chilled.