Shiraz again dominates Australia’s best sparkling reds (with the single exception of a cabernet shiraz blend from David Franz), with South Australia and Victoria sharing almost equal representation in our shortlist. In the final taste-off between Billy Button and Teusner, it was the Barossa for the win.
2023 Best Sparkling Red Wine of the Year in Australia
Teusner MC Sparkling Shiraz 2017, Barossa Valley
95 points | Price when tasted $65
That bright purple spume of bubbles that erupts when you first pour a glass is quite something, huh. Deep notes of plum, cherry and black fruits, dotted with exotic spice, charcuterie, licorice, milk chocolate and earthen tones. It’s like the pure dark fruit envelops you when you take a sip, with comforting fruit sweetness, an expansive palate shape and a super-plummy, meaty-edged exit. Great drinking. – Dave Brookes
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*This is an edited extract from the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Ned Goodwin MW, James Halliday, Erin Larkin, Jeni Port, Philip Rich and chief editor Tyson Stelzer.
Top image credit: Wine Australia.
