A Unique Special Occasion Sip: Edenvale Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Shiraz Review

Edenvale Sparkling Shiraz, 89 points; $33

In general, sparkling red wines are rare even in the regular wine world, but its the holidays so it’s a perfect time of year to touch on this style of drink.

Wine lovers who are adventurous might have tried a lambrusco wine, which is a fairly popular sweeter sparkling red from Italy. It was popular in the 1980s but has since taken a back seat to other domestic options. Australian brand Edenvale is a leader in non-alcoholic wines, and they’ve produced a non-alcoholic sparkling shiraz which is quite an innovative style in the dealcoholized category. It’s reminiscent of the lambrusco style of sweeter, off-dry sparkling red.

Lambruscos are like the mysterious cousin to white sparkling wine. They’re lower in alcohol than most wine, with a light effervescence. They’re meant to be drunk young and are usually full of ripe red berries, cherry and blackberries. Using a young shiraz seems like a comparable option to try in a non-alcoholic sparkling style, with it’s typical jammy and ripe flavours.

As with all sparkling wines, before serving this bottle make sure it’s ice bucket cold.

The Edenvale Sparkling Shiraz pours a dark plummy red, with lots of effervesence. On the nose, there are notes of blackberry and raspberry and a little bit of sundried raisin.

The bubbles are so delicious in this sparkling wine and the mouthfeel is playful and fun. It’s got a gentle effervescence that’s also creamy which drinks like a really luxurious sip. It really feels special and celebratory.

This non-alcoholic sparkling red is full-bodied and jammy. On the palette, it’s got notes of mulberry and raisin, with a little bit of pastille in it (those medicinal candies from your grandmas purse!). A tiny hint of spice is nicely layered into the juiciness.

We were expecting a bit more structure, and at least a little hint of tannins especially in a young shiraz, so that was a disappointment.

Despite that, the sparkling shiraz is really extremely unique and we adore it more and more with each sip. This is definitely a special occasion sparkling wine. It’s a perfect option to put out with your doughy sufganiyot (jelly donuts) for Hanukkah, and the juicy berry notes will be a beautiful counterpart with dry turkey and stuffing. It’s also truly ideal for a Christmas morning or New Years morning brunch, to go along with rich brunch foods and sauces.

Edenvale also makes our top red wine of the year, the Edenvale Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon, so keep an eye out for future surprises from this producer. They’re pushing the envelope on what’s possible in the non-alcoholic space and it’s exciting to think about what they have coming next.

You can find the Edenvale Sparkling Shiraz through DryVariety.com (Ontario and Quebec), Sansorium.com (West Coast/Prairies), and UpsideDrinks.com (East Coast and Quebec).

How we score wines at Some Good Clean Fun:

95 to 100 - An excellent drink with a great personality. An example that stands out among its peers

90 to 94 - An accomplished drink with considerable personality, character and complexity. A classic example of its style or variety.

85 to 89 - A perfectly well-made drink which provides an enjoyable drinking experience.

80 to 84 - An acceptable but simple drink, lacking distinction.