Morris Sparkling Shiraz Durif NV is a benchmark Australian sparkling red from one of Rutherglen’s most celebrated winemaking families — 160 years of tradition distilled into a single bottle. A blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Durif from premium Rutherglen vineyards, masterfully crafted by fifth-generation Chief Winemaker David Morris using the traditional méthode champenoise with 12–18 months of lees contact. Deep ruby-garnet with vibrant crimson edges; ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and savoury spice on the nose; rich, robust dark berry, chocolate, and warming spice on the palate with fine tannins, refreshing acidity, and a long, satisfying finish.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Deep ruby-garnet with vibrant crimson edges and persistent fine bubbles forming a delicate, elegant mousse — the hallmark of extended lees ageing and meticulous winemaking from one of Rutherglen’s most storied producers.
Aroma
Generous and complex — ripe blackberry and dark cherry lead with the soft, mature fruit character of aged Shiraz, layered with rich savoury spice from the Durif component: black pepper, clove, and dried herbs. Subtle chocolate, mocha, and vanilla from extended lees contact add depth, with plum and liquorice rounding out an inviting and sophisticated aromatic profile.
Palate
Rich and robust — dark berries, chocolate, and warming spice flow across the mid-palate with seamless integration of Shiraz and Durif. Fine tannins and refreshing acidity from the carbonation provide structure and balance, with a long, satisfying finish of lingering dark fruit, subtle oak, and persistent effervescence that cleanses the palate beautifully.
Pairs With
Roast lamb, beef Wellington, barbecued ribs, mature cheddar, charcuterie boards, mushroom risotto, and dark chocolate desserts — the rich fruit, savoury spice, and fine tannins of Morris Sparkling Shiraz Durif make it one of the most food-friendly sparkling reds in the Australian canon. Serve slightly chilled at 12–14°C.
Who Should Drink This?
Morris Sparkling Shiraz Durif NV is for lovers of rich, complex Australian sparkling red who want the depth, tradition, and craftsmanship of a 160-year Rutherglen winemaking legacy in every glass. It’s a natural choice for anyone who appreciates the unique character of méthode champenoise sparkling red — and a compelling benchmark for those exploring the best of what Rutherglen’s Shiraz and Durif can achieve together.
Why Is Morris of Rutherglen Famous?
When founder George Morris first planted vines near Rutherglen in 1859, he established an enduring family legacy that continues to thrive today under fifth-generation Chief Winemaker David Morris. With 160 years of winemaking history and tradition, the Morris family have earned their esteemed position as one of Australia’s most prominent winemaking families — world-renowned for Rutherglen Muscat and equally celebrated for the depth and complexity of their Sparkling Shiraz Durif. The Rutherglen region’s warm days, cool nights, and ancient soils provide ideal conditions for both Shiraz and Durif to flourish, developing the intense fruit concentration and rich, robust flavours that define this sparkling red.
What Makes This Sparkling Shiraz Durif Different?
Morris Sparkling Shiraz Durif NV is crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise — the same method used in Champagne production — with 12–18 months of lees contact developing the wine’s characteristic rich texture, fine mousse, and intense beading. The multi-vintage blending approach, combining older wines for soft, mature flavours with younger vintages for vibrant fruit lift, ensures consistency and complexity in every release. The 40% Durif component adds a savoury spice dimension — black pepper, clove, dried herbs — that sets this sparkling red apart from single-variety expressions.
What’s Similar?
Fans of Morris Sparkling Shiraz Durif may also enjoy Rutherglen Estate Sparkling Shiraz Durif 2024 for a comparable regional Shiraz Durif blend, or Hancock & Hancock Shiraz Cuvée NV for a McLaren Vale sparkling Shiraz alternative. For a step up in prestige within the Morris range, the winery’s single-vintage and museum release expressions are worth exploring.
