Smallfry Barossa Pimpernel Trousseau 2023 from Smallfry Wines in the Barossa Valley is a wildly vibrant, cherry‑rimmed light red that takes you straight into the world of crunchy, natural, early‑release styles, packed with personality and screaming to be slightly chilled on a warm Aussie afternoon. This Barossa Pimpernel Trousseau 2023 is whole‑bunch fermented with minimal sulphur, so you’re getting a living, breathing wine in the glass that feels incredibly pure.

In the mouth it’s all about red fruits and savoury lift – think rhubarb, cranberry and wild strawberries with a herbal, earthy edge from the stems that keeps it serious as well as smashable. The palate is light and bright with a gentle, stalky tannin frame and refreshing acidity that makes each sip dangerously moreish. This is juicy, complex and wonderfully interesting, especially for a Barossa Trousseau.

For food, treat it like a structured rosé or a light Jura red – it’ll sing with charcuterie, roast chook, duck pancakes, or even richer seafood like BBQ octopus. Slightly chilled, it’s spot‑on with beef tartare or Asian‑influenced pork dishes, cutting through richness while the fruit keeps everything playful. It’s a brilliant left‑of‑centre choice for anyone wanting a vibrant Barossa red that’s mid‑week friendly but dinner‑party impressive.