Getting Fizzy With It

Let's get fizzy-cal

Sparkling wine is pretty self-explanatory. Does it have bubbles? If so, it's sparkling! However, each country renders these wines slightly differently, using a different mix of grape varieties. Plus, there are a few ways to make wine sparkling. With this selection, we aim to cover some of the different sparkling styles out there, including a classic bottle-fermented sparkling wine (most famous in Champagne), a modern tank-fermented sparkling wine (like Prosecco) and a fabulous Pet Nat (made using the original way to making sparkling wine known as the ancestral method).

3 smart sparkling to explore

In this special pack you'll enjoy: Grey-Smith Wines 'Coonawarra' Sparkling Blanc de Blancs 2019 (bottle fermented or traditional method sparkling wine) A very serious and quite beautiful sparkling wine in all its glory. Interestingly, Chardonnay has long had a place in the Coonawarra; however, it is usually overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, and it is often forgotten. Here, Grey-Smith has made this isn’t a fleshy, broad, sparkling wine with yellow plums and a touch of nectarine; it is a delight to drink and very different to most Coonawarra wines. M + B Wines Hilltops Prosecco 2025 (charmat or tank method sparkling wine) Australian Prosecco is a real rising star, offering so much sparkling joy with a proud Aussie accent. Meanwhile, vibrancy is the name of the game here, with a sparkling wine that is driven by fresh aromas of pear and citrus with a smooth, creamy finish. There's an effortless balance here between vital appley liveliness and a crisp finish. Lansdowne 'Petit Pet' Pet Nat NV (Pet Nat or Ancestral method style of ancient sparkling wine) Few handle Pet Nats as well as Eliza and Tosh at Lansdowne. These are always bubbly wines of joy, liveliness and character, without being too wild to be undrinkable. This Petit Pet is a lovely pink fizz too - made from Sauvignon Blanc with a little Pinot Noir for colour, it's bright and tangy with flavours of orange juice, pink grapefruit, red lollies and then a dry crisp finish. Refreshing is the name of this natural wine, and it's just lovely.

Interesting to note

Historically, sparkling wine was often served in wide, cocktail-style glasses so drinkers could appreciate the bubbles. This evolved into glass 'flutes' that are narrow-shaped, tall glasses that allow you to see the bubbles even better. However, if you really want to enjoy your sparkling wine, ditch the flutes and use a small, tulip-shaped white wine glass. The tapered glass and narrow opening really help concentrate aromas and ultimately make sparkling wine taste better.