Chandon Spritz? Raspberry Lamington Rosé sparkling? Yep, we’ve got all the latest releases.
Each October, something magical happens: sparkling season begins again. And sure, there’s the return of blossoming flowers, warmer weather and longer days, but all the sparkling wine, Champagne, flavoured fizz and Spritzes also emerge from winter hibernation. It might be spring and the promise of summer, but it’s sparkling season, too.
That means there’s no end to the excuses to pop the cork on a bottle of sparkling – party season, the imminent end of the working year, Christmas catch-ups, New Year plans, and there’s even a World Champagne Day in there (October 23, FYI). While we’ll certainly be revisiting some old-favourite bubbles, we’re excited to explore everything that’s fresh and new in the world of sparkling. So, if you’re ready to do sparkling season right, here’s where to start.
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1. Squealini Creamy Mango Bliss
What do you get when you turn mango gelato into a sparkling wine? That would be Squealini Creamy Mango Bliss – a sweet (but not too sweet) chardonnay sparkling wine boosted with creamy mango and coconut flavours. Surely this is the perfect beach-holiday sparkling?
2. Patisserie Raspberry Lamington Rosé
Yes, the rose-coloured, fluted glass bottle is gorgeous, but save your praise for the wine inside. Here, Patisserie is doing what it does best – taking the flavours of sweet-treat desserts and blending them with classic wine styles. This one is a sweet style of sparkling rosé with flavours of raspberry jam, coconut and vanilla that’s built for a sunny afternoon tea.
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3. Bento Hard Japanese Cola
Bento’s Hard Japanese Cola falls closer to the classic wine coolers of yesteryear than the flavoured wines above, but it absolutely works. Warm spices and cola flavours are the main event here (Kalimotxo fans rejoice), but the other side is all about how it pairs with Japan’s fast-casual cuisine. So, grab a katsu curry or yakisoba and do it right.
4. Calabria Limoncello Spritz
It’s not exactly hard to make a Limoncello Spritz (it’s just limoncello, prosecco and soda), but you’ll never hear us complain about the convenience of a pre-bottled version. This one from Calabria is super user-friendly, bringing bright, crisp and bubbly lemon flavours wherever you’re going. Just pour this over ice and enjoy.
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5. Aperol Spritz
Aperol, prosecco and soda water is all it takes to make a great Aperol Spritz, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all enjoy a ready-made one every once in a while. Aperol has gone ahead and done just that with this 750mL bottle, which will serve five of you in one hit – ideally in wine glasses filled with ice, garnished with an orange slice.
6. Chandon Spritz Orange Peel & Spices
Lauded Australian sparkling producer Chandon has earned the right to rest on its laurels, but clearly that message has passed them by. Instead, we get new drops like this inventive batched Spritz, which marries Argentinian Valencia oranges with a secret spice blend. Big Christmas-brunch vibes.
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7. Poco Vino Watermelon Spritz
Little wine, big flavour – that’s what it’s all about with Poco Vino. Coming hot on the heels of its range of table wines, Poco Vino is now setting us up with perfect spring flavours, courtesy of this ready-to-drink Watermelon Spritz. These are the juicy watermelon and zesty citrus notes that you’ll want in the esky when the party hits the grass.
8. Bleasdale Sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon
The sparkling red wine is a uniquely Australian contribution to the world (you’re welcome, everyone else), but it’s usually shiraz that gets the bubbly treatment. Here, Bleasdale uses cabernet sauvignon, blending every vintage back to 2006 for a deep, rich sparkling red loaded with blackcurrant and baking spice flavours. The ideal turkey pairing, if you ask us.
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9. Oakridge Ovata Prosecco
Sparkling season is full of wines for big occasions, but prosecco seems to fit the bill just about every time – especially when they’re as good as this one from Oakridge. Made from King Valley grapes (it’s Australia’s home of prosecco, after all), you’re getting a crisp and juicy sparkling with apple and pear flavours, and a nice punch of acidity.
10. Red Hill Estate Sparkling Rosé
There’s something about the pale blush pink colour of a sparkling rosé that makes it worthy of special moments, but don’t overlook the style for casual drinks, too. Value picks like this from Red Hill Estate can go both ways, and these berry and grapefruit flavours suit every big occasion just as much as any summery Friday night.
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11. Charles Ninot Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc Brut
Champagne has the name and reputation, but it’s not the only French sparkling worth your attention. If you’re a fan of rich, aromatic Champagnes, but you don’t quite have that Champagne budget, this sparkling is ideal. Floral and citrus aromas, and rich pastry flavours from extended lees ageing make this a superb Champagne alternative.
12. Nicolas Feuillatt Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Vintage
Apparently, Nicolas Feuillatte started out making Champagne for famous friends like the Kennedys back in the 1970s, but, lucky for us, we all get to drink his great fizz these days. Wines like this new blanc de blancs (it’s 100% chardonnay) still have that original air of luxury, and these deep flavours and racy acidity make this one a perfect pairing for seafood.
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13. Vieille France Brut NV
You know what they say about big bottles? Big flavour, of course. This cuvee from Vielle comes in a wide format called an ‘apple bottle’ but there are plenty more reasons to seek it out. Grapes sourced from Montagne de Reims make a balanced Champagne with crisp red-apple flavours and a subtle bready richness that’s ideal for any occasion you need to toast this season.
14. Joseph Perrier Champagne Brut Nature
Brut Nature might sound like a hurricane, but it’s a style of Champagne that is very dry, often with little to no sweetness. That makes this version from legendary Champagne house Joseph Perrier one for those who favour the crispest, cleanest of sparkling styles – especially if they like flavours of crunchy apple and juicy peach. Perfect for the hottest of hot summer days – serve in the shade with friends.
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