Who makes it?

D’Arenberg Peppermint Paddock is one of those wine that fits the very definition of ‘moreish’! It goes without saying that the Osborn family make quite a few wines that rate very highly on that scale. They do have a very wide and eclectic range of wines and this sparkling red fits right it. Since 2019, the family also produce biodynamic and organic wines. This wine is certified organic.

Sparkling red wines are not unusual at all in Australia. While they do go down incredibly well at Christmas, they should never be relegated to that time of year. Any time of year is good. Just as any time of day… they go really well with brunch.  OK…, Ok! Breakfast.

How do they make it?

Chambourcin dominates in the blend for the Peppermint Paddock. Its companion is Graciano. Both grape varieties, are not top of mind when you think of wines from the McLaren Vale. Chambourcin, a French hybrid grape with French and USA parentage, is a great choice for this fizz as it delivers the colour and perfume to lift this wine to hedonistic heights for new converts to the style.

Chester Osborn tells me that the best time to visit d’Arenberg is foot treading time. If you are lucky you get put to work foot treading wines like this which then are pressed in the basket. After the first ferment, the wine goes through second ferment to produce the fine bubbles.

This is a non-vintage wine.

What does it taste like?

The colour of this wine has a very definite vibrant purple hue! The aroma is reminiscent of Summer pudding with spice and mint. Lush drippingly ripe berries. It is sweet, around 20 g/L of sugar, but it has a gentle tannin grip that adds some dryness. It is joyously juicy and those flavours linger.

What to drink it with?

That should be ‘who’ to drink it with? It will certainly win you friends. You could throw in some appetitisers if you want. As I have said before, bacon and eggs are a superb match for sparkling red, and the Peppermint Paddock is no exception. 

Cheese?

The fruitiness of this wine is a good match with brie and camembert types of cheeses.

Quickie review « Bubbles like this are simply irresistible! »

Country of Origin: McLaren Vale, Australia 
Tasting Date: May 2021
Price:  UK £23 | AU$30 | US$28
Drink: now – 4+ years
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

Like the sound of d’Arenberg Peppermint Paddock, you might like to read more about Australian Sparkling Shiraz and why you should be drinking them.

Visit darenberg.com.au for more information.

Note: Post edited 1st August, 2022