Tasting Notes

• Colour: Deep dark plum red with a fine, persistent bead.
• Aromatics: Sweet-scented layers of dark chocolate, plum jam, cassis and stewed blueberry, with subtle cinnamon and dried fruit notes.
• Palate: Velvety and rich, yet refined. A creamy mousse leads to plush dark fruit, soft tannins and hints of spice. Moderate acidity and sweetness give it a lush, moreish character with excellent length.
• Finish: Lush, smooth and lingering with a fine sparkle and warming fruit.

Winemaker’s Note

“This is a festive, proudly Australian wine style. We embrace the generosity of Shiraz with time on lees to bring roundness and elegance. It’s both structured and fruit-forward—a perfect balance of tradition and fun.”

Sustainability

Sourced entirely from Swan Valley Shiraz, this sparkling red is made using the traditional method with 2 years on lees. Minimal intervention ensures pure varietal expression and silky texture while showcasing the regional character of WA’s historic Swan Valley.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Serving Temperature: Chill to 8–10°C to preserve freshness and bubbles.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place. Best enjoyed young, but will hold for several years.

• Glassware: A large tulip glass will highlight aromatics and texture.

• Opening Tip: Open gently to preserve mousse; decanting not necessary.

FAQ – Sparkling Shiraz Explained

Q: What is Sparkling Shiraz?
A: It’s a uniquely Australian wine style where rich Shiraz is made sparkling, often using the traditional method (like Champagne), creating a bold, fruity red with bubbles.

Q: Is this wine sweet or dry?
A: It has a touch of sweetness (dosage of 12.5g/L) that balances its rich fruit and tannins, making it lush and round without being sugary.

Q: What makes it great for Christmas or winter?
A: The rich, warming fruit and spice pair beautifully with seasonal dishes like roast meats, puddings, and blue cheese.

Q: Can I age this wine?
A: It’s best enjoyed in its youth to enjoy the bright fruit and creamy mousse, but it can age gracefully for a few years.

Food Pairing Suggestions

🍽️ Stilton or Blue Cheese – Savoury richness and spice meet creamy funk.
🍽️ Spiced Glazed Ham – Sweet and savoury flavours sing with this wine.
🍽️ Charred Eggplant with Tahini & Pomegranate – Earthy, smoky, and bold enough to pair beautifully.

Technical Details

• Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz

• Region: Swan Valley, WA

• Alcohol: 12.5%

• Dosage (Sweetness): 12.5 g/L

• Acidity (TA): 7.5 g/L

• pH: 3.35

• Oak: None

• Time on Lees: 2 years

• Style: Sparkling Red – Balanced

• Closure: Crown cap

• Cellaring: Drink now or enjoy over the next 2–3 years

Learn About Sittella Winery

Sittella Winery and vineyard are nestled in the heart of the Swan Valley, just a short 30-minute drive from Perth. The fertile soils and Mediterranean climate of the Swan Valley, characterised by hot dry summers and mild wet winters, provide ideal conditions for vine cultivation, resulting in a diverse range of rich, full-flavoured wines.

In the last two decades, the Margaret River Wine Region has gained global acclaim for producing some of Australia’s finest premium wines. Sittella sources fruit from Wildberry Springs and its own Margaret River Vineyard, as well as from the Frankland River region in the south.

Margaret River’s temperate maritime climate, featuring ample winter rainfall, moderate summer temperatures, and frost-free spring, offers optimal conditions for cultivating exceptional premium varietal wines. The vines thrive on undulating terrain, enriched by some of the region’s finest soils—red/brown, well-drained gravelly loams.

Catch up on the latest Ray Jordan Sittella Wine Reviews HERE

We can order in a Sittella Wine we don’t stock, email us at info@partnersinwine.com.au

The Swan Valley: A Rich Viticultural Heritage

The Swan Valley, located just northeast of Perth, is the oldest wine region in Western Australia and the second oldest in Australia. With a history that spans nearly two centuries, this region is celebrated for its diverse range of grape varietals that thrive in its unique climate and soil conditions.

Climate and Soil

The Swan Valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate is particularly conducive to grape growing, allowing for the development of complex flavours in the wines produced.

Soils

The region’s soils range from sandy loams to clay and ancient riverbank deposits rich in nutrients. This diversity contributes to the wide array of varietals that flourish here, enabling winemakers to craft wines with distinct characteristics.

Key Varietals of the Swan Valley

Chenin Blanc

One of the standout varietals in the Swan Valley is Chenin Blanc. Cultivated since the 1830s, this grape adapts well to local conditions, producing a variety of styles from dry to sweet. The cooler nights help retain acidity, resulting in fresh wines with floral and stone fruit notes.

Shiraz

Shiraz is a prominent varietal that flourishes in the region’s warm climate. Swan Valley Shiraz is typically bold and full-bodied, showcasing rich dark fruit flavours, pepper, and chocolate. The warm growing season allows for full ripeness, resulting in expressive, approachable wines.

Grenache

Grenache plays a significant role in the Swan Valley, known for its fruit-driven wines with bright red fruit flavours and subtle spice. The grape’s adaptability allows for both varietal wines and blends, characterised by their juicy profiles and smooth tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Though not as historically significant as Chenin Blanc or Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon has gained prominence in the Swan Valley. The warm days and cooler nights facilitate balanced wines with rich berry flavours, structured tannins, and good ageing potential.

Fortified Wines

The Swan Valley is also renowned for its exceptional fortified wines, particularly Apera (formerly known as Sherry) and Port. These wines benefit from the warm climate, resulting in intense flavours and richness. Traditional techniques combined with the unique terroir contribute to their distinctive profiles.

Commitment to Sustainability

Many wineries in the Swan Valley are embracing sustainable viticulture practices, including organic and biodynamic farming. This focus on sustainability enhances the terroir and contributes to the production of high-quality wines, benefiting both the environment and the region’s reputation in the global market.