SPARKLING RED
Bold Fruit Meets Festive Sparkle
Champagne is more than just a sparkling wine — it’s a global symbol of celebration, elegance, and craftsmanship. Made exclusively in the Champagne region of France, this wine has earned its reputation through centuries of precision, patience, and prestige.
Key Characteristics
Expect ripe red and dark fruit, soft tannins, and vibrant acidity—all carried on a stream of lively bubbles. Styles range from dry and earthy to sweet and playful, depending on region and grape.
Style
Sparkling (red)
Body
Medium to full
Acidity
Medium to high
Primary Grapes
Lambrusco, Shiraz (Syrah), Brachetto, Cabernet Sauvignon
Typical Flavors
Black cherry, plum, blackberry, violets, cocoa, baking spice
Origin & History
Sparkling red wines date back centuries, with roots in northern Italy’s Lambrusco and later emerging in Australia with sparkling Shiraz. Long underrated, they’ve gained renewed respect as winemakers refine their styles—from rustic to elegant—and food lovers embrace their bold personality and pairing power.
How It’s Made
Most are made using the Charmat method (like Prosecco), but premium versions—especially from Australia and artisanal Italian producers—use the traditional method for greater complexity. The key difference is skin contact: red grapes lend both color and tannin, setting sparkling reds apart from other bubbly styles.
Notable Regions
Sparkling Red wines are made in a few key areas, each with a distinct character.
Italy
Emilia-Romagna
Home of Lambrusco, from dry and savory to fruity and off-dry
Australia
South Australia
Famous for bold, spicy sparkling Shiraz
United States
California
Modern expressions often made with Zinfandel, Syrah, or red blends
France
Loire Valley & Languedoc
Light, rustic styles made from local red grapes
Food Pairings
Sparkling Reds love bold, flavorful food. Their fruitiness and fizz make them perfect with salty, spicy, or rich dishes.
Appetizers
Charcuterie, stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates
Meats
Barbecue ribs, roast duck, glazed ham
Cheeses
Aged Gouda, blue cheese, Parmesan
Desserts
Dark chocolate cake, black forest torte, cherry clafoutis
How to Serve It
Glassware
White wine glass or large tulip glass, to allow for aeration and aroma
Temperature
50–55°F (10–13°C) — slightly warmer than white sparkling wines
Storage
Upright, in a cool dark place; chill gently before serving
Fun Fact
Sparkling Shiraz is one of the few red wines commonly served chilled, and often enjoyed at Christmas in Australia, thanks to its festive feel and summer weather.
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Italian sparkling reds, offering vibrant, food-friendly wines with style and approachability.
Scarpetta
A modern Italian label founded by sommeliers, known for crafting crisp, dry Lambrusco and other regional wines in accessible, high-quality formats.
Recommended Pours
Scarpetta - Lambrusco NV (200ml) — A lively and refreshing Lambrusco with juicy red berry flavors, soft bubbles, and a dry, crisp finish in a convenient mini format.