Rusden Rocky Valley Road Trousseau 2020 from Vine Vale is a lighter, aromatic Barossa red, more in the vein of a spicy, crunchy Pinot than a big Shiraz, and made for gluggability rather than sheer power. Trousseau typically gives bright red fruits, spice and a slightly wild, earthy edge, and that’s the sort of personality you can expect here too.

In the glass, Trousseau usually shows pale to medium ruby colour with red cherry, raspberry and strawberry, hints of orange peel, pepper and clove, and a suggestion of undergrowth or mushroom as it ages. The palate tends to be light– to medium–bodied with fresh acidity, fine but present tannins and a slightly amaro–like twist, so Rusden Rocky Valley Road Trousseau 2020 is likely to be best served lightly chilled and treated as a vibrant, savoury, food–friendly red.

On the table, Trousseau styles shine with charcuterie, grilled chicken, pork, duck, mushroom dishes, tomato–based pasta, pizza and Mediterranean–style veg, where their red fruit, spice and acidity fit beautifully without overpowering the food. Rusden’s take will likely follow that path – a slightly rustic, aromatic Barossa interpretation of this Jura grape that rewards a light chill and relaxed, share–table food.