Smallfry, ‘Starry Starry Night’ Cinsault 2021

In the warm climate of Australia’s Barossa Valley, most producers make full bodied, oak aged reds, but Smallfry harvest early to keep the wines lighter and fresher.

At a mere 11%, this unfiltered red barely feels alcoholic. It’s all abut freshness, vivacity and fruit. Think bright red berries – strawberry and raspberry, with a hint of pomegranate.

It’s a joyously informal and convivial beverage. With barely perceptible tannin, it’s an (all too) easy drinker, or would match well with spicy foods or lighter vegetarian dishes.

Wayne Ahrens and Suzi Hilder cut their wine teeth with Jacob’s Creek, but wanted to make small batch, low intervention wine, without using systemic chemicals. So they quit their secure jobs and took on an old, mixed planted, biodynamic vineyard in Vine Vale, Barossa, which had been tended for the previous 52 harvests by Ken Schlieb.

2021, crown cap, 11% abv