Bouvet-Ladubay, Rubis Demi-Sec, NV
Although sparkling red wines from Australia are not uncommon (some of the sparkling Shiraz wines are well worth trying), to find one from the central Loire Valley in France is much more unusual. The Loire produces a lot of sparkling white wine made from the Chenin Blanc grape, but sparkling red - made from Cabernet Franc - is a rarity indeed. This one is also demi-sec, or 'half dry', so after a nose of cocoa, mulberry, cassis and plum comes a just - just - off-dry palate with racy red and black berry fruit and a lovely cherry-skin freshness of acidity. Unusual, and at time of writing down to £9.99 as part of a mixed half dozen. Watch the video for full review and food-matching ideas.
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