Sparking Shiraz
Last night I saw the first Christmas commercial of the season. Really?? Halloween was just 2 days ago. Can’t we spend a little time focusing on Thanksgiving? Well, the advertisers might not, but I’m going to give it the proper attention it deserves.
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Today I’m going to tell you about a little something I became slightly obsessed with over the summer (stay with me…this ties into turkey day, I promise). For a few weeks straight I couldn’t get enough Sparkling Shiraz. Not only was I drinking it, but I was also introducing it to any friend that would allow me. And guess what? Now most of them love it as much as I do.
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My first taste of a sparkling red was when I did a wine and chocolate pairing at the Oak Bar back in March. If you missed the story, or need a refresher of that very delightful evening, click here. That was the night that my friend Kandace and I were mesmerized by Shooting Star “Black Bubbles” Sparkling Syrah. It paired beautifully with the decadent blackberry truffles, so when I made a chocolate ganache tart a few weeks later and needed something to pair with it, the first thing that came to mind was that wine.
Unfortunately I couldn’t find that particular brand locally, so instead I purchased the best one I could find: The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz. It seems to be the easiest to find here in Nashville- and that hasn’t neccesarily been easy. One night my friend and I actually drove to three different liquor stores* before I finally found it.
I will say that I did sample a couple of other brands that were slightly less expensive than the Black Chook, but they weren’t nearly as good, so if you’re going to buy a bottle, take my suggestion and go for this brand. (or the Shooting Star if you can find it in your area)
Now you’re probably wondering what the heck any of this has to do with Thanksgiving. Well, now that I’ve become enamored with this bubbly, I’ve been counting down the days for this particular holiday to arrive. Why? Because in all of my reading about sparkling reds, I found that they pair perfectly with turkey! (and duck, heavy cream sauces, chocolate…basically almost all of the dishes that will probably be found on any given Thanksgiving table.) Now that I’ve enjoyed it in the spring and summer, I’m ready to find out how well it will fit into the greatest fall meal of all!
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What about you guys? Have any of you had Sparkling Shiraz before, and if so, what have you paired it with?
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*Places in Nashville you should be able to find Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz- The Wine Chap, Mr. Whiskers, and Cool Springs Wine & Spirits
Oh, YUM, Beth! This was news to me; can’t wait to try it. I think we’re going to plan a blow-the-roof-off brunch for Thanksgiving instead of the big dinner this year. Our first one at home without houseguests!
Brunch sounds like a fun change! Well, even if you don’t try the sparkling with turkey on Thanksgiving, you should definitely get a bottle for the next time you have a chocolate dessert. It is FANTASTIC!
I think Vinea on 12th South has a sparkling shiraz that’s on the wine list at Mafioza’s. I, too, became obsessed after a glass at PM.
Good to know! I’ll check Vinea’s selection when I’m over that way.
I love it too! A friend brought The Black Chook brand to a party once and everyone loved it. Definitely a refreshing change.
Definitely a great way to mix it up a bit, and a good conversation starter at a party. When I took 2 bottles to a friend’s birthday, no one there had ever heard of it, but in the blink of an eye, both bottles were emptied!
Oo, I haven’t had the sparkling shiraz, but I have had a sparkling pinot noir that I picked up at Vinea after a tasting. It was very delicious and memorable, but I haven’t bought it again. I’ll have to check out Mr. Whiskers (just up the street!) and nab a bottle!
Mmm, I’ll be on the lookout for the sparkling pinot!
Never heard of it but you have piqued my interest!
Maybe I should bring a couple of bottles to the next meet up :-)
it’s funny that you wrote about this today, as i was just talking yesterday about sparkling reds. they are my go-to celebratory/holiday wine in fall + winter, + are always a HUGE hit! the black chook is wonderful, as is the mollydooker goosebumps. also, for the eastside folks, woodland wines in east nashville usually carries a few sparkling reds.
Great minds think alike ;-)
Thanks so much for the heads up on Woodland Wine Merchant and the Molly Dooker Goosebumps! I’ll definitely check it out~
I have had both sparkling shiraz and sparkling malbec! Both excellent wines – I mean, let’s be serious – any drink that has bubbles is great!
Love sparkling Shiraz. We have the Black Chook at The Wine Chap as well! Interested in the Mollydooker Goosebumps – the name alone is intriguing. Thanks Beth for another great post. :)
Hi Barbara Keith! I was just thinking about you today after having a conversation with a co-worker about my recent mammo & martini adventure ;-)
Thanks for letting me know that The Wine Chap carries it. I’ll revise my post to include that info! It was actually the 1st place I stopped the night I went to 3 different liquor stores with my friend, but the guy working couldn’t find a bottle of any kind of sparkling red, so you guys must have just been out of stock. Hope all is well with you!
I have never had sparkling Shiraz. That will have to change ASAP. Alas, if you had a tough time finding one locally, I may be completely out of luck. I guess I’ll just have to come to Nashville. :)
i have to have to have to find this wine!! shiraz is by far my favorite red, and add something sparkling and i am SOLD–thanks for the tips on where to find!!
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Ok, shut the gate. We just launched our Bubbles Red. Sourced from Australia (we love it!). We have Thanksgiving all wrapped up.. Enjoy with Turkey, Chocolate, Beef… Or just a cruisey night in with your loved one. Serve chilled. Hugs xx http://mixparty.com/wine-bubbles-c-2.html