Elgin Vintners 2017 Syrah, wine with a “ Sense of Place”
Elgin Vintners recently sent me a bottle of their 2017 Syrah. It’s the first time I have had an Elgin Vintners Syrah and was pleasantly surprised. I'm sure this will become one of my go-to winter wines as its so rich in body, fruit-forward with hints of spice and chocolate. The velvety long finish is incredibly luxurious.
I'm going to admit that I planned a beautiful meal to accompany the Syrah and was going to do a wine pairing. Things didn’t go according to plan… While my husband and I were cooking and discussing the wine, we accidentally ( maybe a bit on purpose) drank the entire bottle!
Its probably a good sign that we enjoyed drinking the wine so much we were both rather upset the bottle was finished. This wine makes me dream of winter, warm fires, hot chocolate ( must be the chocolate notes coming through in the wine), warm blankets, and all the best things about the colder months. I like the label and shape of the wine bottle. Seems like a small thing but design is so important to me. I feel its part of the whole experience of the wine.
The wines created by Elgin Vintners is created with minimal intervention and maximum care, this allows the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. Elgin Vintners is situated in the heart of the Elgin Valley, dating back to 1890.
About the Wine and the nerdy wine stuff: Elgin Vintners Syrah 2017
ANALYSIS:
Alcohol 14,5%
Total acid 5.2 g/ℓ
Residual sugar 2.4 g/ℓ
pH 3.69 g/ℓ
QUANTITY 4000 liters
TERROIR & VITICULTURE This is a cool area, situated 12-20 km from the sea, with mean February (ripening stage) temperatures of 19-20°C. Soils are predominantly ferruginous (iron-rich) gravel on highly weathered, soft Bokkeveld Group shale, situated at 200-300 m altitude and surrounded by Table Mountain sandstone at heights of about 500-1,000m, sheltering the area from the often extremely strong south-easterly winds in summer. This vintage is a combination of 3 clones SH22, SH99 and SH9, planted on the west facing slopes, elevation 290 m above sea level on Tukulu and Pinedene gravelly loam.
WINEMAKING NOTES At the winery, the grapes where only destalked but not crushed. Whole berry fermentation took place in stainless steel tank. Punch downs, twice daily, were done during the first 3 days of fermentation, thereafter, pump overs only once per day. Delestagé was done twice during fermentation. The second stage of the winemaking process, malolactic conversion, was completed after the wine was put to barrel. Maturated in 225L French oak barrels for 18 months.
TASTING NOTES Ripe dark fruit with smoky and herbaceous notes. Fresh and crunchy fruit, tart cranberries, blackcurrants and bramble and ending with notes of chocolate and sweet spice on the palate. This wine shows good oak integration and cool-climate elegance.
FOOD SUGGESTIONS As a general rule, Syrah pairs very well with grilled meats. Also try Lamb Shawarma or Gyros, or a hearty Greek Moussaka made with ample warm spices.
Find out more about Elgin Vintners and buy their wine: https://elginvintners.co.za/
Elgin is a truly magical place. Close to Cape Town and perfect for weekend getaways or a day trip to escape the city. Elgin Vintners has accommodation options including the Manor House ( absolutely gorgeous)
SAY SYRAH?
Often I get asked so what is Syrah? Or isn’t Syrah and Shiraz the same?
Syrah and shiraz are genetically the same grape. Depending on the origin of the grapes the wine produced by these grapes can be very different.
Syrah is seen as the typically old-world wine. It is lighter than its cousin Shiraz .
Shiraz is more intense and tends to be more full bodied.
This wine has been added to my must-buy list.
this wine was gifted
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