First Sighting Syrah

This Shiraz pairs well with a tasty braaied steak, pizza, meaty pastas or hearty beef stews

The winter of 2021 just kept on going right into November. This created the "conditions "that we are so famous for with wet windy and cold weather all the way into the flowering season, the result of a small but healthy crop. Even our neighbouring wheat farmers was still harvesting wheat right up to Christmas. The rest of the growing season was modest with a cool dry January and February. The late winter conditions caused that we only started the harvest on 15 February, a full 2 weeks later than normal. These Syrah vines grow on a cool southeastern slope on iron fericrete soil also known as “koffie klip” gravel with a clay underlay.

100% of the wine was matured for 12 months in 300l French oak barrels, mostly second and third fill.

The grapes were cold soaked for 1day prior to fermentation. Fermentation temperatures were controlled between 22 and 26°C. We had a total of 14 days skin contact during fermentation. Pump-overs were affected twice daily.

Strandveld Vineyards lies between Elim and Cape Agulhas, just 9km from the sea, shaped by strong winds, cool temperatures, and a maritime climate. Its unique terroir of coastal conditions and diverse soils gives the wines their distinctive character. Inspired by early explorers, the vineyards were established in 2001 by pioneers drawn to this rugged, promising landscape.