Sometimes saving the sparkling for big celebrations is just rude.
Stop saving your sparkling wine for special occasions, and start celebrating the everyday. You know, those little yet triumphant moments that we brush off or ignore. Like finding the perfect pair of jeans, finally cracking that 5km run or even watching Star Wars for the millionth time (because it’s the best). These are the moments that make up our life, “these little wonders, these twists and turns of fate” (cue Rob Thomas and an acoustic guitar)... We digress.
We just think you shouldn’t keep your favourite bubbles for only celebrating the one-offs – we should be opening it for everything else. So, in that spirit, we’ve rounded up some of the best sparkling wines for all your “little wonders”.
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1. Luc Belaire Rare Rosé
This bottle has been co-signed by plenty of rap royalty, from Lil Wayne to Wiz Khalifa. Meek Mill raps about “sippin’ rosé with Rozay and it’s Belaire”, meanwhile Rozay himself (AKA Rick Ross) features Luc Belaire in almost everything he posts to socials. Does that mean it’s good? Not necessarily – but the blend of syrah, cinsault and grenache in Luc Belaire’s Rare Rosé is fun and light, and we’re in.
Hailing from France’s Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur and pouring absurdly pink, this rosé is an elegant mix of strawberry and blackcurrant notes that is still dry. Despite its very agreeable price point, this sparkling is a massive A-lister favourite. But don’t be intimidated, it’s a very approachable wine and a perfect aperitif or companion for a greasy charcuterie board. As for when to crack it open? If you’re Rick Ross, it’s celebrating the purchase of a 10-pound king crab. If you’re us, we’d say this is a just-bought-some-new-shoes kind of a wine.
2. OVATA by Oakridge
Made smack-bang in the middle of Victoria’s oldest wine region, the Yarra Valley, Oakridge’s OVATA is a beautifully balanced sparkling wine. An engaging blend of pinot noir, cool-climate chardonnay and pinot meunier, OVATA is fresh, vibrant and intriguingly complex.
It spends a minimum of 12 months on lees and is bottle fermented, which makes those toasty flavours really sing. Plus, Oakridge has won a swag of big awards, so you know it’s got to be good. OVATA is stellar with a hunk of goat’s cheese or even a cheeky six-pack of chicken nuggies. Drink it at barbecues or pour it while watching your fave TV show at home (we recommend Seinfeld).
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3. One to One Brut Cuvee NV
Saving the planet one six-pack at a time. For every six bottles of One to One enjoyed, another square metre of bushland is restored. That means this wine is helping habitats flourish, regenerating ecosystems and enriching biodiversity. How good! And best of all, it tastes damn fine.
Pouring straw-ish green, it’s a good hit of fresh citrus blossoms, red apples and pastries on the nose, and on the palate, there are citrus and brioche flavours. Very fun, very sparkle. We reckon this is a managed-to-unpack-the-last-box-since-moving-two-years-ago kind of a wine. Drink it with a prawn and avo roll, or some zucchini and corn fritters.
4. Yellow Tail Sparkling Blood Orange Mimosa Cocktail
We’re all acquainted with the Mimosa. A staple of the Australian brunch scene – and the perfect accompaniment to eggs – the Mimosa is a forever classic. Now, Yellow Tail’s Sparkling Blood Orange Mimosa brings us a ready-to-drink serve.
This is an all-in-one, so no need to juice anything. No fuss, no muss, just how we like it. For this reason, we reckon it’s a perfect camping wine. Just pull it out of the esky and serve it with some brekky eggs. It’s over easy… get it?
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5. Grant Burge PNC Lighter Alcohol
Sometimes you need to keep it light, so when those occasions arise – like celebrating a win on a work night – you can opt for a lighter-alc wine. Grant Burge PNC is perfect for the occasion.
This is a mix of pinot noir and chardonnay from the cool-climate regions of Adelaide Hills, Alpine Valley and Eden Valley. And, best of all, it’s a lighter option that doesn't compromise on flavour. It’s delicate and elegant with good natural acidity. Pair this bad boy with some kingfish ceviche (or even some fish fingers straight from the oven) and you’re laughing.
1. What are the best sparkling wines to try?
The best sparkling wines depend on your taste, budget and occasion. If you prefer a fresh, fruit-forward wine with a soft mouthfeel, go with Luc Belaire Rare Rosé. OVATA by Oakridge is an amazing top-value, elegant sparkling wine. And if you want a lower-alcohol option, go for the Grant Burge LIghter Alcohol Sparkling Wine.
2. What are the different types of sparkling wine?
There are various types of sparkling wine, including sparkling white, sparkling rosé, Champagne and prosecco. They range from dry to sweet depending on the grape variety and style, and you’ll find an amazing range of sparking wines at Dan Murphy’s for all budgets.
3. What food pairs well with sparkling wine?
The bubbles and acidity in sparkling wines create a refreshing, clean palate. This makes sparkling wine a versatile match with a variety of dishes, from salty and fried foods to creamy dishes and more. For brut styles, go with seafood like crispy fish, oysters, fries and fried chicken, and fruity styles can work especially well with fresh sushi and sashimi.
