Chandon Pinot Noir Shiraz (Non-Vintage)
Sparkling Red Wine. This is a unique Australian style that combines the effervescence of sparkling wine with the structure and fruit profile of a dry red wine. · Domain Chandon Australia, a subsidiary of the LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group. It is considered one of Australia's premier sparkling wine estates with a reputation for blending traditional French expertise with Australian fruit vibrancy.
Vintage: Non-Vintage (NV). This wine is crafted using a multi-vintage blend to ensure a consistent 'house style' year after year, compensating for seasonal variations through the use of reserve wines.
Type
Sparkling Red Wine. This is a unique Australian style that combines the effervescence of sparkling wine with the structure and fruit profile of a dry red wine.
Producer
Domain Chandon Australia, a subsidiary of the LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group. It is considered one of Australia's premier sparkling wine estates with a reputation for blending traditional French expertise with Australian fruit vibrancy.
Country
Australia; a leader in New World winemaking known for its innovative spirit and diverse climates, particularly in the cooler regions of Victoria which are ideal for high-quality sparkling production.
Vintage
Non-Vintage (NV). This wine is crafted using a multi-vintage blend to ensure a consistent 'house style' year after year, compensating for seasonal variations through the use of reserve wines.
Region & Appellation
Victoria, South Eastern Australia. The grapes are predominantly sourced from cool-climate vineyards in the Yarra Valley, though fruit from other Victorian regions is often utilized to maintain consistency in this multi-regional blend.
Grape Varieties
A blend of Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Pinot Noir provides elegance, acidity, and red berry fruits, while Shiraz adds body, spice, plum notes, and a deep color typical of Australian red blends.
Color & Appearance
Deep garnet to vibrant ruby red with a fine, persistent bead (bubbles). The mousse is typically pink-tinged, exhibiting good concentration and clarity.
Aroma Profile
Expressive aromas of fresh raspberries and black cherries, followed by secondary notes of spice, cracked pepper from the Shiraz, and a subtle earthiness or yeastiness from the secondary fermentation.
Tasting Notes
The palate is bright and juicy, led by succulent red forest fruits. The bubbles provide a refreshing lift to the richness of the Shiraz, leading to a clean, slightly spicy finish that is remarkably balanced for a sparkling red.
Flavor Profile
Significant flavors of dark cherry, plum, and raspberry jam. There are underlying hints of licorice, clove, and a touch of dark chocolate that evolve through the mid-palate.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a creamy, velvety mouthfeel. The carbonation adds a prickly texture that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the red fruit extract.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium acidity that provides freshness. Tannins are present but very fine-grained and soft, ensuring the wine remains smooth and approachable rather than astringent.
Sweetness Level
Dry to Off-Dry. While technically having a low dosage (around 10-12 g/L typically), the intense fruitiness of the Shiraz gives a perception of ripeness and subtle sweetness.
Alcohol Content
Approximately 13% to 14.5% ALC/VOL. This is relatively high for a sparkling wine, contributing to the wine's weight and warmth on the palate.
Aging & Oak
Fermented using the Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle) with secondary fermentation in the bottle. Minimal oak influence is used to preserve the primary fruit brightness, though some base wines may see older oak.
Food Pairings
Excellent with Peking duck, glazed ham, BBQ pork ribs, or even dark chocolate desserts. Its unique profile also makes it a classic Australian pairing for Christmas lunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled at 8-10°C (46-50°F). Use a standard white wine glass or a wider tulip flute to allow the aromatic red fruit profile to open up. Decanting is not recommended.
Price Range
$25 - $35 USD. It represents a premium entry-point into the world of high-quality Australian sparkling red wines.
Quality Assessment
88-91 points. It is a highly consistent, premium-tier sparkling red that is widely recognized as a benchmark for the style globally.
Production Methods
Traditional method secondary fermentation in the bottle. The grapes are harvested specifically for sparkling production to ensure balanced acidity before being blended and aged on lees.
Terroir
The cool-climate influence of the Yarra Valley provides the necessary acidity for the Pinot Noir, while the Victorian Shiraz benefits from long ripening periods to develop spice and color.
History & Heritage
Established in 1986, Domaine Chandon was Moët & Chandon's first venture into Australia. It has since become a pioneer in the 'Sparkling Red' category which is an iconic Australian tradition.
Interesting Facts
Sparkling Shiraz (originally called Sparkling Burgundy) is a uniquely Australian wine style that dates back to the late 19th century; Chandon's inclusion of Pinot Noir adds a modern, elegant twist.
Cellaring Potential
Designed for early enjoyment to capture its vibrant fruit. While it can hold for 3-5 years, it does not typically benefit from long-term cellaring like a vintage cuvée.
Similar Wines
Rockford Black Shiraz (higher end), Seppelt Show Sparkling Shiraz, or Bleasdale The Sparkling Shiraz. Fans of Lambrusco Grasparossa might also enjoy this more structured style.