Overview
Charles Melton Sparkling Red is a traditional Australian sparkling red from the Barossa Valley, crafted from a blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet. Inspired by the historic sparkling reds pioneered by Seppelt at Great Western, this richly flavoured wine combines fragrant red fruits, sweet spices, fine bubbles and a beautifully balanced palate. Extended oak maturation and lees ageing contribute remarkable complexity, texture and depth.
Winemaking
Made using the traditional Australian sparkling red technique, the base wine is matured in oak for approximately two years before tirage bottling and extended lees ageing for up to five years. This prolonged maturation develops complex fruit aromas, fine bubbles and characteristic autolytic complexity.
A carefully measured liqueuring dosage provides the sweetness traditionally associated with this sparkling red style, balanced by gentle tannins. The release is based on wines from the 2018, 2019 and 2020 vintages.
Producer Tasting Notes
Lovely deepish burgundy colour. Beautifully clean and sweet lift on the nose. A mix of fragrant red fruits and sweet spices. A very fine tongue coating mousse with some apparent sweetness (necessary for a long ageing traditional sparkling burgundy style) that is finely balanced by some just evident tannins. The complexity and fine bubble is evidence of the almost 60 months lees ageing. Best drunk just chilled.
Critic Reviews
93/100 — Melissa Moore
“Rich and layered on the palate with more of that berry character, the sweetness well integrated alongside chalky, lingering tannins.”
Reviewed 11 September 2026
Drinking Window: 2026–2028
Producer
Charles Melton Wines is a Barossa Valley producer renowned for its traditional Australian red wines, particularly those made from classic Rhône grape varieties. Based in the Barossa Valley, the winery celebrates the region's rich winemaking heritage through characterful wines that balance generous fruit expression with traditional craftsmanship.
Specifications
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Producer: Charles Melton Wines
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Disgorgement: 2024
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Base Vintages: 2018, 2019 and 2020
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Country: Australia
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Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
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Source Areas: Krondorf and Rowland Flat
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Grape Varieties: Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet
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Wine Style: Sparkling Red Wine
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Winemaking: Traditional Australian sparkling red method
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Oak Maturation: Approximately 2 years
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Lees Ageing: Up to 5 years
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Alcohol: 14%
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Drinking Window: 2026–2028
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Serving Recommendation: Best served lightly chilled