KEY POINTS:
In the eternal quest for new flavours and taste sensations come some weird concoctions, on paper at least.
In reality you can often be pleasantly surprised for chancing your drinking arm.
Chilled sparkling red wine is a case in point. We're not talking rose with a bit of tinkering to produce some bubbles. Rather, this is sparkling shiraz that combines the grunt, gruffness and grit of Australia's most famous grape with a bead of bubbles, brimming with all the joys of spring.
Sounds a bit goofy but not only does it work, it's sublime, perfect summer sipping.
One of the best comes from the Barossa Valley Estate, under the guiding hand of hyperactive winemaker Stuart Bourne.
"One of my favourite wines," says Bourne. "A fast game's a good game and this, in winemaking terms, is a fast game." I got what he was talking about when I tried the wine. It's moreish and inviting - you have to be careful not to drink too quickly, it's so refreshing.
From another Australian producer, Brown Brothers, comes another chilled red called Cienna. It's a unique New World grape variety bred across the Tasman by crossing cabernet sauvignon with a Spanish varietal, Sumoll.
The style sits somewhere between the already reasonably familiar moscato and the chilled red, dolcetto, and shiraz.
Cienna has more sweetness and less tannin than dolcetto and shiraz, making it an ideal accompaniment for dishes traditionally difficult to match with wine, such as hot curries.
The sweetness in the wine counterbalances the heat of spicy dishes. It'll work especially well with tom yum soup, spicy lamb vindaloo, or salami pizza. With its deep beetroot red colour, it's as dramatic on the eye as it is on the palate.
It has appeal as a dessert wine - superb with anything containing chocolate and fruit - and works well with mozzarella cheese.
Chill. Swill. Thrill.
Recommended
2008 Brown Brothers Cienna
Light, vibrant aromas of fresh raspberries and strawberries. Summer berries in a glass. Only 5 per cent alcohol. Refreshing spritzy finish.
Price:$14-$15.
2003 Barossa Valley Estate E & E Sparkling Shiraz
Majestic, high-quality wine of power, depth and concentration. Wonderful to finish or start a special meal.
Price: $76
