Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Best's Great Western Sparkling Shiraz is an inky dark purple with a crimson hue. An exuberant mousse that fills the glass. The rocky head of deep purple foam subsides to reveal a lace of small and persistent bubbles. Layers of aroma: roses, plum pudding, nutmeg, parmesan rind, blackberry and dark spices. Add in an undertone of meatiness and brioche from the lees contact in bottle and it demands to be tasted. A broody and rich mouthful of fresh berries soaked in a spiced liquor with a sprinkling of cocoa. The finish is seamless with a refreshing acidity and creamy effervescence to counterbalance the fruit.
The first grapes were planted at Great Western during the 1850s as the gold mining boom receded and people looked for a more permanent means of livelihood. Vineyards planted in 1867 include grape varieties so rare that several have defied all attempts at identification and are, in all probability, the sole surviving examples in the world.
Grampians has enjoyed a long history of viticulture dominated by production of red wines of longevity, elegance and power. Silky smooth Shiraz with flavors and aromas of red cherry, plum, spice and pepper is typical of the regional style.
Best’s Great Western is recognized internationally for the outstanding quality of their Shiraz.
Nestled into the tip of its southeastern coastline, Victoria is Australia’s smallest mainland state, second most populous and third largest wine producer. Victoria includes the cool regions of Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong, made famous mainly by impressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The more inland Heathcote and Bendigo lead the way for complex and textured, full-bodied reds. Rutherglen’s fortified wines compete among the best on the planet.
Made in a handful of wine regions across the globe, red sparkling wine ranges from delicately sweet to bone dry. While styles vary by region, red sparkling wine production methods are often the decision of the winemaker. For serving, cool red sparkling wine down to about 40F to 50F.