Shiraz

Our Shiraz will happily take on powerful flavours, rich and gamey. This wine will go along perfectly with ostrich or venison.

Climate, soil, altitude and slope orientation are essential elements required in capturing as much varietal character as possible. The climate is mild to warm with southern winds, ensuring grapes are cooled to optimum temperature for maximum character and flavour. Soils are predominantly medium textured and an average annual rainfall of 800 mm ensures minimal irrigation.

Upon fermentation, flavour and color is allowed to develop for a period of 4 weeks before the wine is transferred to 60% new French oak barrels for 16-22 months. The use of new French oak allows the wine to retain certain flavors and extract tannin from the oak, resulting in a fuller mid pallet. By using only 60% new oak, the fruits within the wine are respected ensuring the wine is complex yet settled with great ageing potential.

The grapes were handpicked at phenolic ripeness and stored at 10 °C to ensure the finest flavor and freshness. Upon crushing, a temperature of 10 °C was maintained and both skins and juice were left in contact in French oak tanks for 10 days. Varying from stainless steel, this approach provides improved color and flavor stability.

Marianne Wine Estate is nestled at the foothills of the Simonsberg mountain, in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands. This boutique winery of 26ha of vines produces a wide range of premium wines : rosé, white and red with a beautiful aging potential. The property was purchased in 2004 by French businessman Christian Dauriac, already owner of 3 Châteaux in St Emilion and Pomerol (Bordeaux right-bank). Our wines are the perfect reflection of what we are : a blend of French Savoir-faire and South African terroir.