Australian Sparkling wine
With a glowing reputation that can at times rival the wines of Champagne, Australian Sparkling wine, thanks to regions like Tasmania and Tumbarumba, is in a league of its own when it comes to complex flavours and winemaking prowess.
A generous pour of this bubbly, fizzy glass of happiness is the best way to make every occasion special—from birthday celebrations to simple picnics. Whether you seek a lively Sparkling Rosé style, a playful Prosecco, or one of the more complex traditional styles, you are sure to find the perfect Australian Sparkling wine to suit your palate in this exquisite collection curated by Wine Selectors.
Best Australian Sparkling wine
Australian Sparkling wines are shining brighter than ever, with esteemed examples coming from a range of regions - from the isle of Tasmania to the Hunter Valley. The only reason Sparkling wine is not labelled Champagne is because it does not hail from the famed region of the same name in France, but both Champagne and traditional Australian Sparkling wine go through the same winemaking process and use the three mainstay varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Given the broad climate spectrum in Australia, we boast a range of top-shelf Sparkling wine styles, each reflecting the distinctive terroir of the wine region.
Best Australian Sparkling wine regions
Sparkling wine is a category that has seen exponential growth in popularity over the last decade. With most of the renowned wine regions in the country involved in the cultivation of the Sparkling wine varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, some of the best Australian wines are crafted in Tasmania, Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley and Adelaide Hills.
Tasmanian Sparkling wine
Hailing from the southern tip of Australia, Tasmanian Sparkling wines are responsible for cementing Australia’s name in the hall of fame of Sparkling wines. The cool climate allows for a longer ripening period, instilling the Sparkling wines with elevated acidity, nuanced flavour profile, and an inherent refinement that speaks of place.
Yarra Valley Sparkling wine
The cool climate of Yarra Valley provides the perfect home for grape varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are used in Sparkling wines. The gems coming out of the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley are known for their elegance and sophistication, giving you a taste of its rich terroir and the skilful artistry of the winemakers.
Hunter Valley Sparkling wine
Though Hunter Valley has been celebrated for world-class Semillon, rich Chardonnay and medium-bodied Shiraz, Sparkling wines from Hunter Valley have been finding a growing fanbase thanks to their versatility and bold, refreshing flavours. The Hunter Valley produces fine Chardonnay-based ‘Blanc de Blanc’ Sparkling wine. The use of Semillon in Sparkling wines is also becoming popular in the Hunter.
Adelaide Hills Sparkling wine
The high altitude and cool climate of the Adelaide Hills impart the grapes with invigorating crispness and acidity, bringing to the world some of the most flavoursome Sparkling wines that complement a variety of food pairings.
Types of Sparkling Wine
In Australia, Sparkling wine is most commonly crafted with a combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, to create a bubbly that’s medium-bodied and dry, often possessing fruit-forward flavours of peach, apple, grapefruit and melon. Tasmania and the Yarra Valley are championing Sparkling wines with international award-winning examples coming out of both regions. With factors like the fermentation technique, characteristics of the grapes, and winemaker’s inventiveness greatly affecting the body and taste of the final wine, however, there are other styles beyond the popular traditional Sparkling white wine and Prosecco, that sparkle just as bright.
When it comes to the winemaking itself, Sparkling wine might just be the most technical of all wines, given that it generally requires two fermentations: one to make the wine and the other to make the bubbles in the bottle. There are many methods used to make Sparkling wine, but the most popular one is known as the traditional method or méthode champenoise, which is used for making Champagne, hence the name. This method of wine production was also designated a UNESCO World Heritage in 2015. Other methods like tank, carbonated, transfer and continuous methods are other ways to make Sparkling styles.
Sparkling White wine
Australia produces a diverse range of Sparkling white wines and has a history steeped in great bubbly’s. Before the boom in Australian table wines, much of the wine produced here was Sparkling or Fortified.
Sparkling Red wine
Shiraz is by far the most widely used variety to craft Sparkling red wine in Australia. However, Merlot, Durif and Cabernet Sauvignon are also commonly used. Unlike traditional red wine, Sparkling reds are quite refreshing when served chilled.
Sparkling Rosé wine
Sparkling Rosé wine can have all the texture and complexity of Sparkling white wine, with the added dimension of a fun colour and fine texture for added deliciousness!
Prosecco Sparkling wine
The most famous of Italy’s Sparkling wines, Prosecco takes its name from a village in the north of the country, and it’s close to overtaking Champagne as the world’s most loved Sparkling wine. Prosecco comes from the Glera grape and is made using secondary fermentation and bottled under pressure. This generally results in a lower-alcohol wine driven by bright fruit and acidity rather than the inherent complexity of traditional Sparkling wines.
Top Sparkling wine brands
The Sparkling wines we feature at Wine Selectors are handpicked using the rigorous selection criteria employed by the Wine Selectors expert Tasting Panel. They are sourced directly from the winery, ensuring you get access to the top Sparkling wines made in Australia. Some of the most popular and best Sparkling wine brands that are revered for their quality and nuanced flavours include: Arras, Tomich, Yarra Burn, Printhie, Blue Pyrenees, Howard Vineyard, Wicks Estate, Taltarni, Rob Dolan and Josef Chromy.
Sparkling wine glass
For optimal enjoyment of your Sparkling wine, it is important to choose the right Sparkling wine glasses. Depending on your preferred style, each of these two glassware types enhances the quality of your wine-drinking experience.
The familiar flute shape allows the bubbles to gather at the bottom of the glass and then shoot up to the top, enhancing the aromas and flavours and presenting a stunning bead in the glass.
Or if you're enjoying a Sparkling wine with a bit of age or complexity, the tulip-shaped glass allows more exposure to air and really opens up the aromas and flavours.
Is Sparkling wine the same as Champagne?
Not all Sparkling wines are bestowed with the moniker Champagne, it is only those Sparkling wines that are produced in the famed region of Champagne in France that take on the name Champagne. Barring that difference, traditionally-made Sparkling wines and Champagne are very similar, using the same grape varieties and going through similar winemaking processes.
How long does Sparkling wine last?
If you find yourself with an unfinished bottle of Sparkling wine (often a rarity) and wondering how long does open wine last, here’s all you need to know. While Sparkling wines are best consumed immediately once opened, or within 3 to 4 days at best, the longevity of an unopened bottle depends on several factors, with the more common Non-Vintage style designed for early consumption, and more complex Vintage styles more age-worthy.
How to buy Sparkling wine from Wine Selectors?
Looking to indulge in some of the best Australian Sparkling wine? You can get your Sparkling wine delivered directly to your door anywhere in Australia with Wine Selectors. Enjoy a case of mixed Sparkling wines at a great discount or get a Sparkling wine subscription to explore the range of styles available.