NV The Chook - Shiraz South Australia The Chook Sparkling Shiraz

The Chook comes from a partnership between winemaker Ben Riggs of Penny's Hill and Tony Parkinson, the label's proprietor, and it plays the role of the bigger, bolder sibling to their better-known Woop Woop range. Built around South Australia's classic Shiraz country, the label leans into a playful, unpretentious identity, aiming to make sparkling red wine feel like an occasion rather than a novelty.

The wine draws on Shiraz fruit from prized growing regions including McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. Batches ranging from three to five years old are matured separately in French oak barrels to build depth and structure, then blended with a portion of younger Shiraz to bring lift and juicy freshness. A secondary fermentation gives the finished wine its fine, lively mousse.

In the glass it shows a deep, vivid red with a frothy bead, opening to aromas of red berries, plum, and black pepper alongside hints of licorice and chocolate. The palate is rich and fruit-driven, with dark berry flavors carrying through a smooth, medium-bodied finish that stays food-friendly rather than sweet. It makes a natural match for roast turkey, barbecue, or rich, creamy cheeses, and works well as a celebratory pour on its own.