Fran.K Preservative Free Pinot Noir 2026: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Perfumed & Pretty

Meet Fran.K Preservative Free Pinot Noir 2026, a fresh take on Pinot Noir from McLaren Vale. Created through a collaboration between Frances Kentwell and Carol Riebke, this sustainably produced red celebrates uncomplicated, naturally made wine. Expect a fragrant, red-fruited style with strawberry, cherry and delicate berry flavours, gentle tannins and a silky finish. Made without added preservatives and suitable for vegans, it's a lovely choice for relaxed entertaining, especially served with a gentle chill.

Highlights

• Preservative-free with no added sulphur dioxide
• Vegan-friendly
• Special collaboration between Frances Kentwell and Carol Riebke
• Grown in McLaren Vale, South Australia
• Sustainably grown fruit and a natural winemaking philosophy
• Fragrant strawberry and red cherry character with a fresh, silky palate
• Produced by Fourth Wave Wine under the Fran.K label

Tasting Notes

A fragrant, youthful Pinot Noir style with strawberry, red cherry and hints of redcurrant. The palate is expected to be fresh and juicy, with delicate berry flavours, a gentle savoury edge and soft, fine tannins. Bright acidity carries the fruit through to a clean, silky finish. An elegant, approachable red that suits a little time in the fridge before pouring.

Winemaking

Fran.K is built around a simple philosophy: sustainably grown fruit, natural winemaking and no added preservatives. The 2026 Pinot Noir brings together Frances Kentwell and Carol Riebke in a special collaboration that celebrates a thoughtful, minimal-intervention approach. The emphasis is on expressing the character of the fruit without adding sulphur dioxide preservatives. The finished wine is vegan-friendly and bottled under screwcap.

Vineyard & Vintage

The 2026 Pinot Noir comes from McLaren Vale, one of South Australia's best-known wine regions. Its Mediterranean climate, cooling maritime influences and diverse vineyard sites provide a distinctive setting for growing expressive red grapes. The fruit for this release is sustainably grown, with the collaboration placing particular emphasis on thoughtful farming and natural wine production.

Why We Love It

Fran.K has a refreshing approach to wine: good fruit, thoughtful winemaking and no unnecessary fuss. We particularly love the collaboration behind this release, bringing together two women who share a commitment to sustainably produced, preservative-free wine. It's a Pinot Noir designed for easy enjoyment rather than ceremony, with the added appeal of being vegan-friendly. Just the sort of bottle to have ready for a leisurely lunch or casual dinner with friends.

Food Pairing

Pinot Noir is a wonderfully versatile food wine. Its gentle tannins and fresh acidity work beautifully with duck, pork, mushrooms and dishes built around herbs and earthy flavours.

Try matching this wine with →

• Pan-seared duck breast with cherry sauce — Find a Recipe
• Wild mushroom and thyme tart — Find a Recipe
• Roast pork tenderloin with apple and sage — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

A sunny Sunday lunch, a relaxed dinner on the deck or an impromptu evening with friends. Give it a light chill, bring out something delicious to share and enjoy a Pinot Noir that doesn't demand too much attention.

Cellaring

Best enjoyed young, while its delicate red fruit and freshness are at their most expressive. Aim to drink from 2026 to 2028, storing bottles in a cool, dark place. As a preservative-free wine, careful storage is particularly important.

Producer

Fran.K is an Australian wine label from Fourth Wave Wine, created around the idea that naturally made wine should be accessible, enjoyable and uncomplicated. The range champions sustainably grown fruit, minimal-intervention winemaking and wines made without added preservatives.

Frances Kentwell has been central to the Fran.K story, which has also supported Women and Revolution, an association of wine professionals working towards greater gender balance throughout the industry. Earlier Fran.K Pinot Noir releases featured cool-climate Tumbarumba fruit and a collaboration with Nicole Braiser. The 2026 release marks a different chapter, bringing Frances together with Carol Riebke and fruit grown in McLaren Vale, South Australia. The result continues the brand's commitment to thoughtful farming, natural production and wines that make everyday drinking more interesting.

Related Wines To Try →

Love fragrant Pinot Noir and the appeal of no added preservatives? These three wines are well worth exploring.

• Certified organic, savoury and silky — Temple Bruer Preservative Free Pinot Noir
• Soft, juicy and exceptionally approachable — The Hero Preservative Free Pinot Noir
• Bright fruit and elegant cool-climate character — Tamburlaine No Added Preservative Pinot Noir

FAQ

What does Fran.K Preservative Free Pinot Noir 2026 taste like?

Expect a fragrant, fruit-forward Pinot Noir style with strawberry, red cherry and delicate berry flavours. Its appeal is freshness and soft texture, with gentle tannins and a silky, easy-drinking finish.

Is this Pinot Noir dry or sweet?

Pinot Noir is traditionally made as a dry red wine, and this is the style expected for Fran.K. Ripe strawberry and cherry flavours can give a lovely impression of fruit sweetness without the wine being sugary.

Is it a light-bodied red wine?

This Pinot Noir is expected to sit in the light-to-medium-bodied category, with gentle tannins and lively acidity. It's a good alternative to heavier reds, especially when you're after something fresh and elegant.

Does Fran.K Pinot Noir contain added preservatives or sulphites?

No. Fran.K Pinot Noir is made without added sulphur dioxide preservatives, commonly known as preservative 220. Small quantities of sulphites can still occur naturally during fermentation, even in No Added Preservative wines.

Is Fran.K Pinot Noir vegan-friendly?

Yes, Fran.K Preservative Free Pinot Noir is vegan-friendly. It's a lovely option for sharing around a table where guests prefer wines made without animal-derived processing ingredients.

What temperature should I serve this wine at?

Serve at around 14–16°C, slightly cooler than room temperature, to highlight its red fruit and freshness. A Burgundy-style Pinot Noir glass with a generous bowl is ideal for releasing the delicate aromas.

Does this wine need decanting?

No extended decanting is necessary for a youthful, lighter-style Pinot Noir. Simply open and pour, allowing a few minutes in the glass for its aromas to develop.

What food goes best with Fran.K Pinot Noir?

Duck breast, roast pork, mushroom tart and herb-roasted chicken are all excellent choices. Pinot Noir's gentle tannins and acidity make it especially good with savoury dishes that don't overpower its delicate fruit.

Can this preservative-free Pinot Noir be cellared?

We recommend drinking this wine while young and fresh, ideally within two years of release. Store bottles away from direct sunlight and heat, particularly because no sulphur dioxide preservative has been added.

Who will enjoy this wine most?

This is a lovely choice for anyone who enjoys softer reds with fragrance, freshness and a gentle finish. If you're a fan of Pinot Noir, particularly lighter Australian styles, Fran.K is worth discovering for its preservative-free philosophy and collaborative approach.

How long will Fran.K Pinot Noir keep after opening?

For best enjoyment, reseal and refrigerate after opening, aiming to finish the bottle within one to two days. Allow it to warm gently before serving again so the fruit aromas can open up.

(SKU: FK_PN_CV)