Zalze Shiraz Mourvédre Viognier 2020

A wine typical of the vintage. It shows good density and structure with a darker than usual profile. Lots of wild berries on both the bouquet and palate are well supported by just a hint of spice and some Provençal herbs. A firm yet supple tannin profile mean that this wine is wonderful to drink now, but has good ageing potential over the next 5 years.

The grapes were sourced primarily from the Stellenbosch region, with a small percentage from other areas. The blend consisted of 82% Shiraz, 15% Mourvédre and 3% Viognier. In 2016 we had a very dry winter season and warm dry conditions during the growing season. It was for this reason that very careful attention was paid to our viticulture practices to ensure optimum ripening conditions in the canopy and to achieve physiological ripeness. As always, a very careful ‘green harvest’ was carried out at veraison to ensure even ripening and a good concentration of flavours.

The grapes from the different varietals and blocks were harvested separately between 23 – 25° Balling at optimum ripeness. The Shiraz and Mourvédre were tank fermented with a combination of “delestage” and “remontage”. These wines underwent malolactic fermentation in tank before being racked to 300l French oak barrel for maturation. Only 2nd and 3rd fill barrels were used. The Viognier was barrel fermented in 4th and 5th fill 400l French oak barrels. After 12 months ageing the components were blended and bottled.