Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Majella Sparkling Shiraz (Coonawarra) 2003

A very fine example of a category on which I came to dote when we visited Australia last summer. IMHO, sparkling Shiraz is often the perfect wine for foods that do not necessarily lend themselves to wine. As in tonight's case, BBQ pork sandwiches with coleslaw, baked beans, and pickles. The big fruit flavors can stand up to the acidity of the meal, while the scrubbing bubbles and cold temperature provide a textural counterpoint to the unctuous meat.

Big blast of blackberry and plum aromas, plus a lot of black pepper and an earthy note. The palate follows. Grade: B++