The Grape: Shiraz/Syrah
Red Wine - Bold and Structured.
100% Shiraz
Color - Red (Black-Skinned)
Pairs well with - lamb, beef and Venison.
Drinking window - 2020-2015
14% ABV
Coastal region - Stellenbosch
Grape Parentage - Dureza x Mondeuse Blanche
Shiraz/Syrah are alternate names for the same grape variety which originated in the Rhône Valley (Northern Rhône Valley).
The Shiraz name is used in Australia and South Africa (Some say it's Shiraz and Some say it's Syrah), it grow well in selected pockets of the New World countries, usually grows best in warmer climates, Old world countries mostly in the Mediterranean countries.
Stylistic differences are usually pronounced and explain the enduring dual identities.
As of 2016, approximately 35% of the world's Syrah was found in France, followed by Australia with 20% and Spain with 10%.
Historically "Shiraz" is the name of a city in Iran that traces its roots back to ancient times, although some suggest it is also a corruption of "Scyras", the name by which the grape was originally known is Australia.
BEST FOOD PAIRING
South African Shiraz pairs well with foods that are robust and flavorful.
Grilled red meats, game, birds, cured meats and goat based stews all work well with the medium to high tannins of Shiraz.
The rich fruit allows the wines to handle chargrilled food quiet well, though there is usually plenty of tannin lurking in higher priced Australia/ South African reds which may surface.
Ideal vegetarian options includes, Eggplant, Lassagna, Lentil. Bolognese, and Falafel or Mushroom based burgers.
The medium to full - bodied styles of Rhône (France) Syrah go well with charcuterie (cold cuts) and pork sausages.
Wine of The Day - 2015 Hartenburg Gravel Hill Shiraz, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
G R A V E L H I L L S Y R A H 2 015
This wine is certainly about a sense of place.
The Gravel Hill terroir consistently provides a Syrah that is unique in
character, quality and expression.
A W A R D S
2015 Vintage 96 points Tim Atkin MW
2014 Vintage 95 points Tim Atkin MW
4 ½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
2013 Vintage Syrah du Monde Gold medal
5 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
2012 Vintage Decanter Gold medal
91pts Robert Parker
2011 Vintage 94pts Tim Atkin SA Wine Report June 2016
2010 Vintage 94pts Tim Atkin SA Wine Report - June 2015
Robert Parker 94 points
4 ½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
2009 Vintage 4 ½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
2008 Vintage Gold Medal Syrah Du Monde 2013
4 ½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
94 points Tim Atkins MW
2007 Vintage 4 ½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
2006 Vintage 91 points Robert Parker, 92 points Wine Spectator
5 stars Vic Harrington (Canada), 94 points Wine Pioneers
(USA),4 ½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
2005 Vintage 92 points Wine Spectator, 4 ½ stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
Since Carl's first vintage at Hartenberg in 1993 he realized the distinct
difference in the character and quality of a parcel of Shiraz vineyard at the
lower end of the Estate. These vines produce very few bunches per vine of
quality grapes with extraordinary characteristics.
All these elements make for a unique red wine, the Gravel Hill Syrah.
F O O D M A T C H I N G
Fillet of kudu with a red wine jus, rare roast sirloin, wild mushroom risotto .
T A S T I N G N O T E
The Hartenberg flagship wine and long – standing SA Syrah classic.
On the bouquet umami, Karoo shrub, wood spice, violets and perfumed notes. The
palate shows beautiful elegance with layers of black and red fruits. The wine ends with
a vein of fine-grained tannins, so typical of this site.
T E C H N I C A L & P R O D U C T I O N
Soil Concentrated red (ferrous) gravel stone known as
koffie-klip
Barrel Ageing 19 months in 90 % new French Oak (225 li)
Alcohol 14.42 % by volume
Residual Sugar 1.9 g/l
Total Acid 5.8 g/l
pH 3.51
Best producer