As the song says, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” In this case, we’ve 2% Mataro, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Helped with a good dosage liqueur to hit 19gms residual sugar, this sparkling red is an easy match for chocolate rich desserts during the silly season, roast turkey/ham for that special festive lunch or paired with the recovery session bacon roll for a pick-me-up brunch.

Taltarni, Sparkling, Shiraz, Pyrenees, 2018

Deep garnet with bruise purple hue. Persistent mousse and remnant lacing. Blueberry, licorice/black jelly bean, pepper, Christmas cake outer, leather, coffee, raspberry and a hint of cola. Creamy red fruits bordering decadent with protein rich white-mould cheese-esque outer, white pepper spice and a good sting of cleansing acidity and lingering chocolately oak. Pair with any one of the above-mentioned dishes and you’re set for the festive season.

RRP: $26
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 17.75/20 (91/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Taltarni