2017 Syrah - Vriesenhuijs Wines

Wines and terroir of the Paardeberg region

The famed dryland Swartland vineyards and slopes of the Paardeberg are home to one of South Africa’s most exciting winemaking movements. It’s produced champions of Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and put its weight behind biodynamic farming and the old vine movement, all with an independent, maverick spirit devoid of ostentatiousness.

Producers here are, first and foremost, farmers. People from the soil, treasuring expression of the ancient, decomposed granite and fruit purity above everything else in making exceptional quality wines.

2017

SYRAH

WINE OF ORIGIN SWARTLAND

The 2017 Vriesenhuijs Syrah is made from classic Swartland grapes grown on the eastern slopes of the Paardeberg mountain range. Made from only the best parcels of Syrah, this varietal boasts an expressive Swartland-style Syrah. The wine is structured but elegant with a juicy palate.

This elegant example of Swartland Syrah benefits from careful hand harvesting, vinification and ageing. The nose delights with complex berry, pepper and spice aromas topped with a hint of chocolate.

Cellaring potential
5-10 years

Bottling
2017

Alcohol
14%

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Tasting Notes

Tasting notes

A natural acidity lends freshness to this bright red Syrah. The wine is structured yet with an elegant mouthfeel, well-integrated tannins, with aromas of berries.

Flavor Profile

Naturally acidic, fresh, structured, elegant mouthfeel with aromas of berries, hints of dark chocolate and spice. The palate has a pleasing, juicy berry entry, complemented by savoury flavours suggestive of the fynbos vegetation and salty air.

Pairing

Pairs well with richly flavoured BBQ meats, venison and Asian cuisine and aged cheese.

Climate and terroir

The area is Mediterranean in climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters, cooled by afternoon southerly breezes. The dryland bush vines are not irrigated and were planted in decomposed granite soils characterised by minerality and good acidity, resulting in particularly flavourful, fruit-driven wines.

Grape variety

100% Syrah dryland bush vines aged between 15 and 40 years, harvested in selected pockets.

Winemaking techniques

Selected from various sites featuring Syrah bush vines aged between 15 and 40 years, the grapes are handpicked early in the morning morning and whole-bunch fermented in foudres (large French oak barrels) and concrete tanks.

Aging process

Maturation in a variety of foudres, French oak barrels and concrete tanks.