De Bortoli Woodfired Sparkling Shiraz is a distinctive Australian sparkling red wine produced by De Bortoli Wines. This non-vintage offering combines ripe dark-fruit intensity with fine red bubbles and a soft, tempting texture. It delivers a medium-bodied profile with ample fruit concentration, balancing sweetness and acidity to create an approachable crowd-pleaser that pairs equally well with savory dishes and desserts.

De Bortoli Wines traces its roots back to 1928, when Vittorio De Bortoli arrived in Australia and purchased a small farm in the Riverina region. Using surplus grapes from neighbours, he began making wine that proved so popular it launched the family’s multi-generational winery. Today, De Bortoli is recognized for its broad portfolio spanning cool-climate vineyards in Victoria and premium bottlings that combine Old World tradition with New World innovation.

The grapes for Woodfired Sparkling Shiraz are sourced from Heathcote, a sub-region of Central Victoria noted for its ancient Cambrian soils and Mediterranean-influenced climate. Warm summer days and cool nights promote even ripening of Shiraz, yielding fruit with concentrated blackberry and plum characters, peppery spice, and firm structure. Heathcote’s mineral-rich earth and diurnal temperature swings contribute to the wine’s balanced acidity and depth of flavour.

The base wine undergoes primary fermentation in tank followed by secondary (sparkling) fermentation, creating fine, persistent bubbles. After sparkling fermentation, the wine is aged on lees for roughly six months in stainless-steel tanks, enhancing mouthfeel without dominating oak influence. Residual sugar is set at around 17 g/L to achieve a gentle sweetness that complements dark fruits and softens the acid framework.

De Bortoli Woodfired Sparkling Shiraz presents a deep, saturated red hue. On the palate, the interplay of ripe fruit sweetness and firm tannins gives the wine a plush, velvety texture, while moderate acidity lifts the finish and readies the palate for food.

Woodfired Sparkling Shiraz shines with robust flavours. Consider:

– Salty Pecorino or mature hard cheeses to match its sweetness and tannin structure 

– Traditional roast poultry such as chicken or turkey for a festive table contrast 

– Cantonese roast duck where sweet-savory skin complements residual sugar 

– Rich chocolate desserts or bittersweet chocolate torte to echo cocoa notes and offset tannins 

– Spicy Indian or Middle Eastern dishes that stand up to its dark-fruit intensity and bubbles

This 750 mL bottling is sealed with a traditional cork closure, reinforcing its premium Sparkling wine style. The label features a stylized wood-fired oven graphic, hinting at the subtle smoky or charred nuances evoked by its name, even though maturation takes place in stainless steel. The clear portrayal of “Sparkling Shiraz” on the label signals its festive character and distinct category within Australian wines.

De Bortoli Woodfired Sparkling Shiraz stands out for its bold dark-fruit character, gentle sweetness, and fine bubbles. It bridges the gap between red wine depth and sparkling wine celebration, fitting seamlessly into both casual gatherings and special occasions. Enjoy it chilled alongside savory mains, rich cheeses, or decadent desserts to experience its full spectrum of flavours.