Vineyard Selection Shiraz Mourvedre Viognier

Beef, Lamb, Game (deer, venison), Poultry

The blend consists of 92% Shiraz predominantly from the Stellenbosch region, 6% Mourvédre and 1% Viognier. In 2017 we had a very dry winter season and warm dry conditions early in the growing season but slightly cooler weather in the run up to harvest. The drier than usual conditions resulted in smaller berries and with the cool weather in the later stages of ripening lead to good balance of fruit concentration and elegance with very little intervention required.

After pressing, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in tank before being transferred for maturation to a combination of older oak barrels for a period of 14 months. The Viognier component was pressed and cold fermented in tank. The wine was left to mature in tank on the yeast lees until being racked for blending with the other components.

Each of the varietals were harvested and vinified separately in order for each parcel to be picked at the correct time to contribute the desired characteristics in the final blend. For the red component the grapes were transferred to tank for fermentation after destemming but no crushing i.e. whole-berry pressing. In order to preserve the freshness and elegance of this typical Rhone style blend the grapes were gently handled during fermentation and were only pumped-over twice a day.

Kleine Zalze wines are marked by a classical structure and complexity matched by a vibrant flavour intensity. Discernibly South African in style, they are refreshing, beautifully balanced and well-suited to food. Our wines are made according to traditional methods with minimal cellar intervention, but supported by modern equipment.