The 2020 vintage of Carafe & Tumbler Pinot Shiraz – affectionately known as Pinaz – has been released by Tokar Estate.

Tokar Estate winemaker Martin Siebert and Vigneron Daniel Tokar came up with the idea of a cheeky, quality red wine field blend that could be easily drunk while sitting on the couch with takeaway pizza in 2016. 

The resulting Carafe & Tumbler Pinot Shiraz was inspired by the carafes of wines in European cafés, sitting on the table alongside the salt, pepper and bread as an essential part of the meal. As such the wine was made to be effortlessly unpretentious.

The 2020 release is bright ruby and that brightness is mirrored in the sweet perfume of strawberries, orange peel, cocoa and green tea. It’s reminiscent of Italian bitters. The medium bodied palate is big in fruit and has an attractive slipperiness in the mouth before the acid and soft tannins engage leaving the finish dry. There are flavours of rockmelon and cherries with warmed spice and roasted sesame. It’s a very moreish wine and the bottle tends to empty quickly. This is one for immediate enjoyment.

Martin recommended pairing the wine with the following takeaway options to keep in the spirit of simplicity.

Woodfired margherita pizza: The wine has a sweet fruit core that mirrors the sweet tomato of the pizza and the Italian bitters character in the wine plays nicely with the basil. Being light in tannins, there is a juiciness to the finish so the palate doesn’t dry out, even with the smoky crusts.

Peking duck pancakes: Duck and Pinot are the best of friends and the Shiraz component brings some plum and spice that works so well with this dish. The wine was made with loads of whole bunches which brings a roasted sesame flavour that complements the hoisin sauce.

Korean fried chicken: The cherry and orange peel flavours in the wine give a fresh lift to the fried chicken and the citrusy acidity helps cut through the grease.

Pulled pork sliders/burgers: The sweet, smoky and “melt in your mouth” tender pork makes the sliders very smashable so they need an equally smashable wine. The red fruit and warm spice flavours in the wine complement the sliders beautifully. 

Pinot Shiraz retails for $30 and is available at https://shop.tokarestate.com.au/collections/all-wines/products/2020-carafe-and-tumbler-pinot-shiraz