Roving Sommelier loves premium quality sparkling wines from around the world. Even better when these expressive wines are made with love and care. For me, sparkling red wines such as the characterful Shiraz are ideal for those who prefer their fizz to be playful yet serious and be thoroughly drinkable. What is more, these delicious sparkling wines are perfect alternatives to traditional red wines for parties and festivities, and they are great with BBQs too!!

Lobban’s winemaker, Pamela Geddes, is a rare breed – a Scottish winemaker – who began her winemaking career in Australia, only to elope to Spain to create a European take on an Aussie classic. She established Lobban Wines in 2003, naming her company after an ancient Gaelic word meaning ‘muddy place’, a reference to the historic battlegrounds of her Scottish ancestry.

The wine is made with 95% Shiraz and 5% Garnacha sourced exclusively from the Calatayud region, an arid area of Aragón, northeast Spain, that has perfect growing conditions for these varieties. She handcrafts her wines using the Traditional Method, known locally as ‘Vino spumoso de Calidad’, ageing the wine on its lees for six years.

“This hand-crafted bottle fermented sparkling wine was produced by the traditional method. Each bottle is unique – enjoy with grilled meats, with spicy foods, or just with friends.”

Pamela Geddes – winemaker

Best enjoyed well-chilled with or without food and in a convivial atmosphere.