d'Arenberg Wild Pixie Shiraz 2020

According to the winemaker, this 2020 incarnation represents the best Wild Pixie yet produced. The vintage benefits from optimal McLaren Vale conditions that allowed the Shiraz to develop exceptional aromatic intensity while maintaining the wine's signature herbaceous complexity. The addition of roussanne during fermentation has been particularly successful this year, contributing to the wine's remarkable freshness and acidity balance that drives the dense fruit through an extended finish.

The splash of roussanne added during fermentation is a clever winemaking technique that enhances the wine's natural acidity and freshness. Roussanne, a white grape variety originally from France's Rhône Valley, brings bright acidity and floral aromatics that complement Shiraz's rich fruit character. This small addition prevents the full-bodied McLaren Vale Shiraz from becoming overly heavy, creating better balance and ensuring the wine maintains vibrancy and food-pairing versatility.

The Wild Pixie's herbaceous blackcurrant and dark berry compote flavours, combined with its full body and bright acidity, make it ideal for rich, savoury dishes. Think grilled lamb with rosemary, beef bourguignon, or aged hard cheeses like vintage cheddar. The wine's herbal tea notes and tobacco undertones also complement game meats beautifully, while the quince character pairs wonderfully with dishes featuring dried fruits or Middle Eastern spices.

Serve the Wild Pixie at cellar temperature (16-18°C) to fully appreciate its complex aromatics - the wine is renowned for 'jumping out of the glass' with its intense bouquet. Decant for 30-60 minutes to allow the full-bodied structure to open up and reveal its herbaceous complexity. Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place, and while delicious now, this well-structured McLaren Vale Shiraz has the backbone to develop further complexity over the next 5-8 years.

d'Arenberg is recognised as both a Five Star Halliday Rated Winery and features in The Real Review's Top 100 Australian Wineries, reflecting their innovative yet traditional approach. Their McLaren Vale estate combines old-world techniques with creative experimentation, like the roussanne addition in Wild Pixie. The family-owned winery is known for producing wines with distinctive personality and exceptional aromatics, focusing on expressing the unique terroir of their McLaren Vale vineyards through minimal intervention winemaking.