Swartland Winery – Syrah ‘Winemakers Collection’ – 2021

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Big open skies, arid deserts, the vast flowing landscape, with its unforgiving climate and rugged bush vines, this is wild country, this is Swartland. The contrast with manicured Constantia and oh-so-cool Stellenbosch couldn’t be greater. But right now, Swartland is the most exciting wine region in South Africa. A new wave of winemakers are making ground-breaking wines from Rhône varietals and it is part of a revolution that has got everybody talking. The Swartland Winery is producing iconic and award-winning wines in this fashionable and dynamic region, so we have joined forces with them to create a unique, distinctive and expressive wine range that has been masterfully blended for the UK palate. They are a WIETA compliant producer, committing to ethical trade and as advocates of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) code, they manage their vineyards limiting the use of herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. We think something this good, is definitely worth talking about!

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The Swartland name originates from a description of the indigenous “renosterbos” or rhino bush, which appears to turn black, (“Swart” in Afrikaans), during the summer months. This hot, dry climate has an average temperature range of 25°C to 35°C and an annual rainfall of 450 mm and 600mm, but the altitude of these vineyards creates a cool oasis in this arid landscape. Minimal intervention and environmentally friendly farming practices are paramount. Sowing cover crops between the vines provides protection from the winter rains and also maintains the valuable mineral content, nutrients and moisture during the hot summers. 80% of the vineyards are small bush vines with an average yield of six tonnes per hectare; the quality of fruit is exceptional. The soil types vary, but Malmesbury Shale dominates, with small patches of granite and Table Mountain sandstone.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were hand-picked in the early hours of the morning, destemmed and crushed. The grapes and juice were cooled and transferred to stainless steel tanks. Fermentation took place at 24-26°C with selected yeasts and lasted for seven days, with pump-overs and aeration every four hours. Following fermentation, the young wine was drained and the grapes were pressed, followed by malolactic conversion which took place over 14 days, softening the resulting wine. It was then filtered and stored in stainless steel tanks for up to 12 months, softening and integrating the tannins, until bottling.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
An easy drinking Syrah, full of ripe brambly fruits accompanied by white pepper spice and a dash of cinnamon. Layers of dark berried fruit, rich mulberry and well integrated smoky tones carry through to a smooth finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Syrah 100%.