Syrah

The full-bodied character of this wine harmonizes perfectly with rich, flavourful dishes, grilled foods (including grilled vegetables), game dishes (particularly those incorporating stewed fruit and sweet aromatic spice components), peppercorn crusted steaks and barbecued meat in a sticky, sweet sauce. The wine’s abundant fruit also latches onto the sweetness in jellies, chutneys and berry sauces.

The Syrah vineyards at La Motte Wine Estate are between 10 and 30 years old and are spread over different blocks with varying soil profiles. The vineyard blocks are situated between 200 and 300 metres above sea level. The soil is of a sandstone and granite origin and varies from a heavier texture along the slopes to a sandy, well-drained texture where the landscape is flatter. All the vineyards are trellised. Different clones and microclimates on the estate lend varying characteristics to the wine.

The wine was matured in 300-liter French oak barrels for 14 months,30% of which were new. To enhance colour and extraction, 15% Durif was added. The wine was bottled in October 2019 and 17 000 cartons (6 x 750 ml) and 500 magnums were released as 2018 La Motte Syrah.

Grapes were picked ripe, but still firm. They were cooled overnight, before 100% de-stemming and the whole berries being placed into stainless steel tanks. Selected yeasts were added immediately and fermentation was between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. Tanks were pumped over twice daily, with good aeration. To promote elegance and soft extraction, most of the tanks were pressed before fermentation had been completed.

La Motte is a Franschhoek wine estate with a long-standing reputation for classic South African wines and Cape heritage. Known for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and elegant red blends, the estate combines Franschhoek character with a polished, food-friendly style.