Estate Syrah - Reyneke

In the glass, Estate Syrah - Reyneke glows with a dense ruby red and violet shimmer at the rim. The color appears deep, multi-layered and elegant. As soon as it is poured, it unfolds an intense aroma of juicy blackberries and ripe plums. Beneath lie dark notes of black pepper, a hint of graphite and a fine herbal spice reminiscent of Mediterranean maquis.

On the nose, an exciting interplay of dark fruit and cool, mineral freshness develops. With a little air, nuances of dried violets, cedarwood and a subtle smoky component appear. The aromatic structure seems precise and clearly defined.

On the palate, the wine is dry, with concentrated fruit and polished spice. Black berries, plum compote and a hint of licorice combine with peppery notes. The texture appears velvety, the tannins are ripe, fine-grained and tightly knit. A firm, lively acidity carries the fruit and lends the wine length and tension.

The structure appears powerful, yet always remains elegant and balanced. The body shows fullness without heaviness, the finish is long, dark-spicy and marked by mineral notes. In the end, a lingering impression of black pepper, blackberry skins and delicate herbal spice remains.

This Syrah comes from Stellenbosch in the South African Western Cape. The climate there combines plenty of sunshine with cool influences from the Atlantic, allowing the grapes to develop rich aromas and clear freshness. The wine is made from the Syrah grape variety as a single-varietal expression and brings both the overseas style into the glass as well as the character of biodynamically farmed vineyards.

• Type of wine: red wine, dry, single-varietal
• Grape variety: Syrah
• Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
• Alcohol content: 13.5% vol
• Maturation: concrete tank, large wooden cask (foudre)
• Texture: velvety, dense, elegant
• Glass recommendation: Burgundy goblet

1. Intense aromas of blackberry, plum and black pepper
2. Fine, ripe tannins and lively acidity structure
3. Long, dark-fruited finish with herbal spice
4. Biodynamic cultivation with high craftsmanship

Production of Estate Syrah - Reyneke

The grapes for Estate Syrah - Reyneke come from biodynamically farmed sites in Stellenbosch. This region in the Western Cape benefits from warm days and cool nights. Atlantic winds and the proximity to the mountains give the vines refreshing temperature fluctuations, allowing depth and aromatic clarity to develop.

The soils consist predominantly of weathered granite, slate and sandy loam. This combination brings structure, minerality and a precise fruit profile to the wine. The vines root deeply, which intensively reflects the character of the terroir.

The harvest is carried out carefully by hand, parcel by parcel. Only fully ripe, aromatically dense grapes make it to the cellar. Strict selection already takes place in the vineyard. After transport in small containers, further sorting is done at the sorting table to process only perfect fruit.

In the cellar, Reyneke relies on the gentlest, most natural vinification possible. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with vineyard’s own yeasts, promoting an authentic expression of origin. Part of the fermentation takes place in concrete tanks, which allow temperature stability and highlight the fruit clearly. The remaining quantity matures in large foudres with a capacity of around 1,000 liters.

A maturation of around 16 months on the fine lees gives the wine additional fullness and complexity. Concrete and large wood are in the foreground here, so the influence of new oak remains very subtle. This creates delicate roasted aromas and spice without overpowering the fruit.

The winemaker’s style places great emphasis on balance and elegance, not on overwhelming power. Each vintage authentically reflects the conditions of the vineyard. Biodynamic cultivation supports a vibrant soil life and shapes the wine’s presence in the glass.

Enjoyment recommendations for Estate Syrah - Reyneke

Estate Syrah accompanies dark dishes with impressive harmony. The dark fruit and peppery spice are ideally suited to hearty dishes with intense aromas.

• Braised leg of lamb with rosemary and thyme
• Beef cheeks or ox cheeks in red wine jus
• Game dishes such as venison or stag with dark sauce
• Grilled steaks with a pepper crust
• Hearty stews and braised dishes with root vegetables
• Ripe, semi-hard cheeses with spicy rind

As a companion to finely seasoned vegetarian creations, the wine also unfolds great potential. Braised eggplant, lentil dishes with Mediterranean herbs or mushroom ragouts harmonize excellently with its dark fruit and spice.

Estate Syrah is an excellent match for special occasions, such as festive dinners, stylish wine evenings with friends or as a sophisticated gift for lovers of characterful red wines. It also plays to its strengths confidently as part of a high-quality wine pairing for multi-course menus.

The optimal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 °C. Slightly cooled from the cellar, the wine shows its elegance particularly clearly. Before enjoying, it is advisable to decant it into a carafe so that the aromas can fully unfold and the texture becomes even smoother.

With proper storage in a cool, dark place at a constant temperature, Estate Syrah develops additional maturity over several years. The tannins gain further finesse, while tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco and dried herbs form. This creates a fascinating interplay between matured spice and deep fruit.

In a generous Burgundy glass, this wine shows its full complexity. The expansive glass shape allows for intense oxygen intake and focuses the aromas ideally. On the set table, the understated Burgundy bottle appears stylish and reserved, while the contents reveal more facets with every minute in the glass.

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