Paringa, South Australia (Australia) Sparkling Shiraz 2013

Australians aren’t the only ones who love their sparkling Shiraz.  I’m a fan myself, as are an increasing number of non-Aussie wine drinkers. Paringa is deep garnet red, with rich berry-jam flavors tempered by a steady stream of fine bubbles and just enough refreshing acidity.  This is actually an excellent match for many kinds of food, especially barbecue and other dishes with a sweet-spicy character.  It works well with bacon too — in Australia it’s frequently poured at brunch.  Be sure the wine is chilled down and, for me, anyway, served in a regular wine glass, never a flute (putting sparkling red wine in a flute reduces its rambunctious flavors and diminishes its energetic personality).