On the second day of Fizzmas, we hit up Tasmania for good bubbles!

Tasmania is the island off of the southeastern tip of Australia (you probably know its “devil” masupials), and the climate there is much cooler than most of the mainland. Cooler temps mean much better conditions for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, which go into traditional Champagne and Jansz’s sparkling as well (Jansz was actually Tasmania’s first bubbly to be made in the traditional Champagne method). This is the only wine I’ve ever had from Tasmania, and I doubt it’ll be the last – so good! Nice small bubbles, crisp red apple and fresh almond, good body. Was really impressed.

Like so much bubbly that isn’t from the Champagne region, it’s way more affordable too: you can get the Jansz Premium Cuvée here for $22.

And since we’re talking Australian bubbles, I also recently had a sparkling Shiraz from the McLaren Vale region that was cool too. Shiraz is a big deal in Australia but it’s pretty bold and heavy, which makes for an interesting bubbly. So this Black Bubbles wine (about $20 here) wasn’t light but surprisingly wasn’t heavy either, and had good black currant and blackberry flavor. Super good with the kangaroo tartare we had (!!!) and would also pair well with steak tartare.

Click on Fizzmas to see all the fizz and fun in the next 12 days! And let me know what your favorite bubbly is below.