Original Sparkling Shiraz 1998

Seppelt has had more experience with this unique Australian wine style than any other winemaker in the country. Although there are no precise records, it appears the winery was experimenting with sparkling red wines as far back as the 1890's.

The 1998 Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz was made by using the traditional Methode Champenoise technique. Importantly, it is the ageing process that contributes significantly to the unique qualities of the Original Sparkling Shiraz, resulting in superb fruit, oak and yeast integration with magnificent, complex maturation characters.

The 1998 Original Sparkling Shiraz is an excellent example of the Seppelt Sparkling Shiraz style and is also made from a good vintage for red wines.

Vineyard Region

Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale

Vintage Conditions

The start of the growing season was quite dry, however, by August good rains gave the vines the perfect prelude to budburst. The weather dried out again in October, remaining that way right up until harvest. Harvest went well overall and the quality of the grapes was exceptionally high.

Grape Variety

Shiraz (Syrah)

Maturation

The wine was matured in large oak vats for 16 months. This was followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle with maturation on yeast lees for 18 months.

Dense rich garnet colour with a deeply coloured

effervescent froth on pouring.

Nose

Aromas of ripe red berries, pepper and spice.

Palate

The palate is full bodied yet has soft supple tannins. The berry fruit flavours combine with complex yeast autolysis characters. The palate finishes with lingering soft tannins, crisp acidity and persistent berry fruit flavours.

Wine Analysis

Alc/Vol: 14.0%

Last Tasted

19 Jul 2002

Peak Drinking

Now - 2008

Food Matches

Ideally suited to Duck & Game, Cheese, Aperitif