Toast the New Year with Australian Sparkling Wine!

If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your New Year’s Eve, the good folk at Wine Companion have pulled together a list of top Australian sparkling wine – all available right in HK, of course. Not only are sparkling wines the ultimate celebration drink, they are also brilliant with or without food. These crowd-pleasing picks will ensure you’re the resident wine expert at your New Year’s party! We say cheers to that…

1. Croser Brut NV 2008 Sparkling Chardonnay
The Croser Brut NV has rich strawberry notes, with hints of nectarine, cashew and biscuity chardonnay characters. The Adelaide Hills is ideal for growing the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for Croser’s sparkling wines, producing intense fruit flavours with great natural acidity.

Available for $220 at Slurp Asia.

2. Rolling Sparkling Pinot Grigio Chardonnay 2013
Rolling sparkling wine is inspired by the rolling hills of the Central Ranges near Orange in New South Wales. The estate vineyard reaches cool temperatures, while bright sunlight combines to produce fruit that is vibrant and brightly coloured. This wine is fresh and crisp, with pear and apple notes, pairing perfectly with a range of canapés.

Available for $120 at Cellarmaster Wines

3. Clover Hill Vintage Brut 2008
The Clover Hill vineyards are in Tasmania, which is lauded for its cool-climate wines. This vintage has matured on lees in its bottle for a minimum of three years to ensure optimal flavour. You’ll enjoy aromas of green apples and white peaches, with nutty flavours shining through to reveal those few extra years of age and complexity.

Available for $325 at Cellarmaster Wines or at Aberdeen Street Social for $690

4. Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz
If you are after something slightly different, try the very Australian style of sparkling shiraz. The Jip Jip vineyard is in the Padthaway Valley in South Australia, which enjoys many warm summer days with coastal evening winds that cool the vines to create a longer ripening period. This makes the Sparkling Shiraz rich and supple on the palate, full of flavour and with a brick-red mousse.

Available for $160 at Soho Wines & Spirits

5. Bird in Hand Sparkling Pinot Noir 2011
Showcasing the spectacular pinot noir variety, this wine is from South Australia’s Adelaide Hills. Treat yourself to its cherry and strawberry aromas and enjoy its floral lift, which makes it a bright and vibrant party partner. This wine was also a trophy winner at the Hong Kong International Wine Competition in 2012!

Available for $169 at Wine n’ Things

6. Chandon Brut Chardonnay
This is one of Australia’s benchmark sparklings, as well as Chandon’s flagship non-vintage sparkling wine. Pop the cork with the confidence it will impress and complement your night on the town. Fresh and bright, the wine’s almond nougat and nectarine flavours add further layers.

Available for $145 at Adelaide Cellar Door Wines

7. Westend Eternity Sparkling
The Westend Eternity Sparkling has a soft and lemony palate, with nutty characters and a persistent mousse. The finish is smooth and fresh – a great way to ring in the New Year.

Available for $99.

Maintain your wine-buff standing and stay up-to-date on the latest Australian wine reviews, tasting notes and wineries with Australian Wine Companion.