Small Batch Shiraz Pinot 2020 Chilled Red

Tasting Notes 🍷

Colour: Crimson red with a touch of purple, hinting at its youthful vitality.

Aromatics: Fresh berry fruit with a faint smokiness and a subtle hint of dark cherry, adding complexity to its fragrance.

Palate: Fruit-forward flavours of black cherry and raspberry, balanced by the gentle tannins of Shiraz, leading to a soft, dry finish. Vibrant acidity adds freshness and makes it easy to pair with food.

Winemaker’s Note

“The Pet Project Shiraz Pinot is all about balance. The Pinot Noir brings freshness and vibrant fruit, while the Shiraz contributes depth and richness. Together, they create a wine that’s refreshing yet complex, making it perfect for those warm summer evenings, whether enjoyed alone or alongside food. It’s the wine that makes every day feel like a celebration.”

Additional Storage & Serving Tips ❄️

Serving Temperature: Best served chilled at 8-10°C to highlight its fresh fruit character and vibrant acidity.

Storage: Store in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness and vitality.

Before Serving: Remove the bottle from the fridge about 5 minutes before serving to reach its ideal temperature.

FAQ 🧐

❓Why is this wine great for summer
The Pet Project Shiraz Pinot is light-bodied, refreshing, and vibrant. Its chilled serving temperature makes it the perfect wine for warm weather, offering a balanced combination of fruit-forwardness and freshness.

 ❓How should I serve this wine

Serve this wine chilled at 8-10°C to bring out its refreshing acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. It’s easy to drink on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.

❓ What are the tannins like in this wine 
The Shiraz contributes gentle tannins, giving the wine a soft, dry finish that doesn’t overpower the fruit flavours. The tannins are subtle but provide structure to balance the wine’s fruit-forward character.

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Grilled Fish – The fresh acidity and light body make it a great match for delicate fish like salmon or snapper.
• Charcuterie – The bright fruit flavours pair well with savoury cured meats like prosciutto and salami.
• Mediterranean Dishes – Pairs perfectly with fresh, light dishes like grilled vegetables, Greek salads, or pasta with pesto.
• Cheese – Enjoy with fresh cheeses like goat cheese or brie for a delightful contrast.

Technical Details

• Grape Variety: Shiraz 60%, Pinot Noir 40%
• Region: Western Australia
• Alcohol: 13.0% by volume
• Ageing Potential: Best enjoyed young, within 2–3 years
• Closure: Screw cap

Chilled Red Wines

Red wine is often associated with being served at room temperature, but the trend of chilling red wines is gaining momentum, particularly in warmer climates like Australia. Chilled reds are refreshing, vibrant, and offer a completely different experience, especially when it comes to blends such as Shiraz and Pinot Noir.

A Brief History of Red Wine Blends: Shiraz & Pinot Noir

Blending red wines has a long history in Australian winemaking, where innovative producers have experimented with various combinations to create unique flavour profiles. While Shiraz and Pinot Noir might seem like an unusual pairing, this blend actually has deep roots in Australian wine tradition. Since the mid-20th century, winemakers in regions like the Perth Hills and Great Southern have crafted these blends to combine the boldness of Shiraz with the elegance of Pinot Noir, producing wines that balance fruit intensity with subtle complexity.

The result is a dynamic, fruit-driven wine that pairs the powerful, spicy character of Shiraz with the delicate, red-fruit profile of Pinot Noir. This fusion has become a favourite for those looking for a red wine that’s both vibrant and easy to drink, particularly when served chilled.

Serving Temperatures and When to Chill

The typical serving temperature for red wine is around 18°C, but when it comes to chilled reds, the ideal temperature is much lower, between 8°C and 10°C. Chilling a red wine helps to enhance its freshness, emphasise the fruit flavours, and reduce any heavy, tannic feel that might come with full-bodied reds. Shiraz and Pinot Noir, in particular, benefit from being served on the cooler side, as the crispness draws out their natural fruitiness and makes them more approachable, especially in warmer weather.

Food Pairings for Chilled Red Wines

Chilled red wines, particularly a Shiraz and Pinot Noir blend, are incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairing. The juicy red fruits from the Pinot Noir, like raspberry and cherry, complement the rich, spicy notes of Shiraz, which brings flavours of blackberry and plum. Together, they create a wine that works beautifully with a range of dishes.

Some perfect pairings include grilled meats, such as lamb or steak, which benefit from the spice of the Shiraz, as well as roasted vegetables or barbecued fare. The lighter, more elegant side of the blend also pairs wonderfully with charcuterie, soft cheeses, and even salmon.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a casual dinner, or simply relaxing in the sun, a chilled red wine, especially a Shiraz and Pinot Noir blend, brings a refreshing twist to your wine experience. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile, food-friendly red wine that’s both refreshing and full of character.