Sparkling Red: Yay or Nay?
Good afternoon all, I hope you’re all enjoying the post v.day glow while this awful weather is working itself out. J and I opted for a night in this year with good food and a bottle of sparkling red, he loved the wine, I wasn’t convinced -but more on that later.
Progress on my wine resolutions is moving along nicely. I’ve pencilled in the dates to do the WSET Level Two course in May which I’m very excited about, and we’re looking at dates for a birthday trip to Bordeaux. I’ve already scoped out a few Chateau tours, and a very promising Air BnB experience which promises a walking tour of the local boulangeries. Could not be more excited to stuff my face full of fresh bread and pastry. I’m also debating whether it’s worth tackling the queue for l’entrecote to sample the famous steak, what are the thoughts?
So, back to last night’s wine drama. I picked up a bottle of sparkling shiraz last year as an impulse buy, and I’ve been saving it for a special occasion. Seeing as our Valentines’ food featured a beautiful steak in butter sauce, and a pretty special chocolate hazelnut cheesecake, I figured that this would be the perfect opportunity to crack it open.
I’d been wondering whether to serve it chilled or room temperature, the general consensus online seemed to be to serve it very slightly chilled so as not to hide the flavours. I have to say, when we first popped the cork, I thought the aromas were beautiful, everything I love about a Shiraz. I could smell red fruits, there was some vanilla in there, overall I was excited to try it.
This was quickly overshadowed by the bubbles however. As soon as I took a sip, all I could taste was the gas. I lost the flavours, and I found after one glass, that I couldn’t finish a second. I was so disappointed but I guess you can’t win them all. J wasn’t convinced at all when I bought it, but he enjoyed it so much last night that he happily finished the bottle while I sourced an alternative for myself.
I was expecting to enjoy this bottle, especially because I have a huge soft spot for bubbles and Shiraz, so on paper this was my perfect bottle. A friend of mine also told me that this particular bottle was one of her favourite wines. I’ve finally come across a combo that isn’t for me, it was bound to happen once, right?!
Now my thoughts are turning to spring, and what the new season has to offer. I’m excited to reintroduce whites and rosés into circulation. As much as I love hibernating, I’m ready for warmer evenings and bright floral wines. I’m particularly excited to finally get to Bordeaux in early June.
Salut
S xo
