Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz

Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz is a pétillant naturel sparkling red wine from the Grampians region of Victoria, Australia, bottled at 11.7% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Little Brunswick Wine Co under their Very Thirsty Lorikeet label, this unconventional sparkling shiraz stands apart from mainstream carbonated reds by relying entirely on natural fermentation for its effervescence.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11.7%  |  Origin: Grampians, Victoria, Australia  |  Pétillant Naturel Style  |  Producer: Little Brunswick Wine Co

Production & Heritage

Little Brunswick Wine Co is the project of winemakers Alex Croker and Robbie Lundberg, operating out of the Grampians wine region in western Victoria — an area long recognized for producing structured, cool-climate Shiraz. The Sparkling Shiraz is made using the pétillant naturel (pet nat) method: primary fermentation is interrupted before completion, and the wine is bottled so that the remaining sugars finish fermenting inside the sealed bottle, producing a gentle, rustic fizz without the addition of external carbonation or dosage. The winemaking philosophy is intentionally hands-off, employing wild primary and secondary ferments with no filtration or fining, resulting in a textured, slightly cloudy wine that reflects its vineyard origins without intervention.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh red and dark berries lead the nose, followed by a thread of baking spice and a subtle earthy undertone. There is a faint oaky tinge that adds complexity without dominating the fruit.

Taste: The palate entry is juicy and berry-driven, with a lively mousse that carries flavors of ripe blackberry and plum across the mid-palate. A streak of bright acidity and gentle tannin structure keeps the wine energetic rather than sweet, while peppery spice emerges toward the finish. The texture is notably different from traditional-method sparkling shiraz — looser, more playful, with a slightly grainy quality from the unfiltered production.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering berry fruit, a dusting of spice, and a dry, lightly tannic close. The natural carbonation softens gradually, leaving a clean, refreshing aftertaste.

How to Drink Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz

Serve well chilled — around 12–14°C (54–57°F) — to highlight its refreshing acidity and keep the fruit vibrant. This is a casual, food-friendly sparkling red best enjoyed without overthinking the glass; a standard wine glass works well to let the aromas open up while preserving the gentle fizz. A Kalimotxo riff substituting this for still red wine brings a naturally sparkling twist to the classic cola-and-wine combination. It also works in a Sangria, where its berry intensity and built-in effervescence reduce the need for added soda. For a simple warm-weather serve, pour it into a Spritz format over ice with a splash of tonic and a citrus peel.

Best For

• Introducing natural wine drinkers to Australian sparkling shiraz
• Summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings where chilled red wine fits the mood
• Gifting to adventurous wine enthusiasts who appreciate minimal-intervention winemaking
• Pairing with a casual charcuterie or pizza night

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz taste like? It is a berry-driven sparkling red with juicy blackberry and plum fruit, a thread of peppery spice, and a lick of bright acidity balanced by light tannin. The pet nat method gives it a rustic, gentle fizz rather than the aggressive bubbles of traditional sparkling wine.

How does Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz compare to Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz? Seppelt's Original Sparkling Shiraz is produced using the traditional method (secondary fermentation in bottle with disgorgement) and is typically richer and more structured with oak-driven complexity. Lorikeet takes a pet nat approach with no filtration or fining, resulting in a lighter, more rustic, fruit-forward style at a lower ABV.

Is Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz good for casual drinking? Yes — its lower alcohol (11.7%), refreshing acidity, and easygoing fizz make it an approachable sparkling red suited to relaxed, everyday occasions rather than formal tastings.

Where is Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz made? It is produced by Little Brunswick Wine Co in the Grampians wine region of Victoria, Australia, an area known for producing high-quality cool-climate Shiraz with distinctive peppery character.

What foods pair well with Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz? Wood-fired pizza with spicy salami complements the berry fruit and spice; slow-smoked pulled pork echoes its earthy depth; aged cheddar or Gruyère matches the tannin structure; grilled lamb chops with rosemary mirror the peppery notes; and dark chocolate desserts highlight the ripe fruit character.

What sizes does Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz come in? It is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz worth the price? It positions as a small-production, natural-wine offering that sits above mass-market sparkling shiraz in terms of winemaking intent and character, representing solid value within the minimal-intervention sparkling category.

Why Lorikeet Sparkling Shiraz?

Australian sparkling shiraz is a crowded field, but most of the well-known examples — Seppelt, Jacob's Creek, Black Chook — rely on traditional-method production and tend toward a richer, sweeter style. Lorikeet goes a different direction entirely, using the pet nat method with wild ferments and zero fining or filtration to create a sparkling shiraz that drinks lighter, fresher, and more transparently of its Grampians fruit. That minimal-intervention approach gives it genuine texture and individuality that set it apart from conventional options. For anyone curious about what sparkling shiraz looks like through a natural-wine lens, this is an honest and energetic place to start.