Temple Bruer Preservative Free Shiraz Malbec 2022: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Blackberry Jam & Warm Spice

This Shiraz–Malbec blend is generously fruited and beautifully spiced, with a smoky, leathery finish that makes it feel made for the dinner table. The nose is expressive: black cherry, redcurrant and violet, then mulberry, blackberry and raspberry, with spiced plum, star anise and clove. On the palate, Malbec takes the lead with blackberry and mulberry depth, backed by Shiraz spice and a gently smoky, leathery edge. It’s dry, full-bodied and smooth through the finish, with soft, subtle tannins that keep it easy to pour.

Highlights

• Certified organic, vegan-suitable and preservative-free
• No added sulphur dioxide (Free SO2 0 ppm; Total SO2 0 ppm)
• Shiraz 60% / Malbec 40% from Riverland, South Australia
• Black cherry, mulberry, violet, star anise and clove aromatics
• Full-bodied palate with medium acidity and soft tannins

Taste Profile

Tasting Notes

Deep purple in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, redcurrant and violet lead into mulberry, blackberry and raspberry, with spiced plum, star anise and clove. The palate is full-bodied and dry, with Malbec’s blackberry-and-mulberry richness shining through. A smoky, leathery finish and soft tannins make it satisfying without being heavy.

Winemaking

This style is built by letting the fruit speak first, then shaping the finish with careful extraction and measured oak. The blend brings Shiraz spice and drive together with Malbec’s darker fruit and plush mid-palate. The winemaking aim is a full-flavoured red that stays smooth and stable while remaining preservative-free, meaning no sulphur dioxide is added.

Vineyard & Vintage

Fruit is sourced from Riverland, South Australia, a region known for reliable ripening and deep colour. The blend is Shiraz (60%) and Malbec (40%), giving both spice and blackberry depth. Technical details reflect the bold, dry shape: 14.0% ABV, RS 0.5 g/L, TA 5.4 and pH 3.50.

Why We Love It

It’s a red blend with real comfort-factor—dark fruit, spice and a smoky finish—yet the tannins stay soft and easy. Malbec adds that plush blackberry richness, while Shiraz keeps the palate energetic and savoury. It’s also a standout option if you want a certified organic, vegan-suitable red that’s genuinely preservative-free.

Food Pairing

This is made for smoky flavours, roasted vegetables and anything with spice or richness. Try matching this wine with →

• Stuffed capsicums → Recipe Search
• Lamb with blue cheese (or blue cheese salad) → Recipe Search
• Slow-cooked beef cheeks → Recipe Search

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

Winter dinners, slow-cooked comfort food, or a Friday-night meal where you want a full-bodied red with plenty of spice.

Cellaring

Drink now for bold fruit and spice, or cellar for up to 5 years as the wine leans further into savoury, leathery complexity. If you’re opening it young, give it some air—30 minutes in a decanter helps the spice and smoky notes settle into place. Serve slightly cool to keep the finish fresh.

Producer

Temple Bruer is a South Australian family winery known for long-term leadership in certified organic, minimal-intervention winemaking. They farm with a strong sustainability focus and work across multiple regions, including Riverland and Langhorne Creek, to match variety to site and season. Their preservative-free range began in 2006 and is built on meticulous fruit selection, careful winery hygiene and low-oxygen handling so the wines remain stable without added sulphur dioxide. The result is a portfolio that tastes classic and generous, while aligning with drinkers seeking organic, vegan-suitable and preservative-free options.

Related Wines To Try →

If you love this spicy, full-bodied blend, here are a few smart next pours:

• More peppery Shiraz drive (preservative-free) → Temple Bruer Preservative Free Shiraz 2023
• Cabernet-led structure with cassis and dried herbs (preservative-free) → Temple Bruer Preservative Free Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2023
• Browse more red blends → Shop Red Blends

FAQ

What does it taste like?

It’s dark-fruited and spice-driven: blackberry, mulberry and black cherry, with violet lift and spiced plum. You’ll also notice star anise and clove, plus a smoky, leathery finish. The palate is dry and full-bodied, with soft tannins.

Is it sweet or dry?

Dry. The fruit is generous, but it finishes savoury rather than sweet. Residual sugar is low (0.5 g/L), so the impression is firmly dry.

How full-bodied is it, and what are the tannins and acidity like?

Full-bodied with a plush middle, thanks to Malbec. Tannins are soft and subtle—more smoothing than grippy—while acidity sits in a medium zone to keep the finish clean. It’s a great choice if you like bold reds that stay smooth.

What temperature should I serve it at, and what glassware works best?

Serve at 16–18°C. A large-bowled red wine glass (Bordeaux-style) is ideal, helping the spice and violet notes open up. If your room is warm, a quick 10 minutes in the fridge keeps the alcohol in check.

Should I decant it?

Recommended, especially if you’re drinking it young. A 30–60 minute decant softens the edges and lets the smoky, leathery notes integrate with the fruit. If you don’t have a decanter, pour it into a jug and give it a swirl.

How long can I cellar it?

Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. With time, the fruit becomes more savoury and the spice feels more knit-in, with extra leathery complexity. Store it somewhere cool and dark and you’ll be rewarded.

Is it preservative-free, and what about sulphites?

Yes—this wine is preservative-free, meaning no sulphur dioxide is added. The product specs list Free SO2 at 0 ppm and Total SO2 at 0 ppm. It’s an excellent option if you’re actively seeking wines without added preservatives.

Is it organic and vegan-suitable?

Yes—certified organic and vegan-suitable per the product specs. That makes it easy to serve at plant-based dinners without worrying about fining agents. It’s also a strong pick for anyone prioritising organic farming and a preservative-free brief.

What food matches best?

Stuffed capsicums, roasted vegetables, lamb, and anything with smoky flavours or warm spice. The dark fruit and soft tannins work beautifully with richer sauces and char. Blue cheese is also a surprisingly good match—the fruit sweetness of the aroma meets the salt and savoury tang.

Who will love it, and what can I compare this wine to?

This is for drinkers who love full-bodied reds with dark fruit, spice and a smooth finish—especially if you enjoy Shiraz but want extra plushness from Malbec. If you like spicy red blends (Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvèdre styles) you’ll be very comfortable here. For a similar Temple Bruer profile with more peppery drive, compare it to Temple Bruer Preservative Free Shiraz.

(SKU: TB_SHM_CV)