Mercer Preservative Free Shiraz 2023: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Plush, Spicy & Weeknight-Friendly

If you want a preservative-free red that still tastes properly “Shiraz,” this one delivers: plush plum and blackberry fruit, warming spice, and soft tannins that keep it smooth and easy to drink. It’s medium-bodied rather than heavy, finishing clean and dry—so it’s just as happy with a simple pasta as it is next to something smoky off the BBQ.

Highlights

• No Added Preservative + vegan-suitable
• Plum and blackberry with warming spice
• Soft tannins and a clean, dry finish
• From Central Ranges, NSW (cooler regional freshness)
• 13.5% ABV

Tasting Notes

Ripe plum and blackberry lead, with a warming spice note through the mid-palate. It’s smooth and medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a clean, dry finish that keeps it genuinely food-friendly.

Winemaking

Made preservative-free with careful fruit handling and gentle, modern winemaking. The aim is plush fruit and soft texture without heaviness, so the wine stays easy to pour and easy to pair.

Vineyard & Vintage

From the Central Ranges, NSW—a broader region that can deliver Shiraz with bright fruit and a fresher shape. The result is a Shiraz that feels juicy and smooth rather than jammy.

Why We Love It

Because it’s the weeknight Shiraz that behaves: plenty of fruit and spice, no harsh edges, and a finish that stays dry. It’s also a great “crowd red” for casual dinners—easy to like, easy to match.

Food Pairing

Perfect with smoky, savoury and tomato-based dishes—plus anything off the grill.

Try matching this wine with →

• BBQ chicken skewers — Find a Recipe
• Sausage ragu — Find a Recipe
• Roast pumpkin and lentil salad — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

Cosy dinner, socks on, something comforting in the oven. Or a casual BBQ where you want a red that’s smooth, crowd-friendly and doesn’t need decanting.

Cellaring

Enjoy now for plush fruit, or over the next 2–4 years as it becomes more savoury. Once opened, re-cork and refrigerate; aim to finish within 1–2 days (preservative-free wines are happiest when fresh).

Producer

Mercer Wines makes modern, vibrant wines with a light touch—especially in their preservative-free range. The focus is on careful fruit handling and gentle techniques so the wines stay fresh, expressive and easy to enjoy, without added preservatives.

Related Wines To Try →

If you love this style, these are worth adding to your next mixed dozen:

• Same producer, crisp, dry rosé — Mercer Preservative Free Rose 2024
• Another preservative-free Shiraz to compare — Temple Bruer Preservative Free Shiraz 2024
• Best-value preservative-free Shiraz — Organic Vines Preservative Free Shiraz 2023

FAQ

What does Mercer Preservative Free Shiraz taste like?

Plum and blackberry with warming spice, a smooth texture and soft tannins. It finishes clean and dry.

Is it sweet or dry?

Dry. The fruit is plush, but the finish is tidy and not sugary.

Is it preservative-free?

It’s a No Added Preservative wine, meaning no sulphur dioxide preservatives are added. Like all wine, it may still contain small, naturally occurring sulphites from fermentation.

Is it vegan friendly?

Yes—this wine is labelled vegan suitable.

What foods does it pair best with?

BBQ meats, sausages, tomato-based pasta, burgers, roast veg and lentils. It’s a great all-rounder red for casual dinners.

Should I decant it?

Not essential. A quick swirl in the glass is usually enough—this is designed to be smooth and easy to pour.

How long will it last after opening?

Re-cork and refrigerate; it’s best within 1–2 days while the fruit stays fresh.

Who will love it?

If you like Shiraz that’s plush and spicy but not heavy, this is a very easy, weeknight-friendly pick—especially if you prefer softer tannins.

(SKU: MR_PFS_CV)