JULIEN SCHAAL

Walker Bay

"Syrah"

W.O. Walker Bay

Climate:

The Syrah grapes come exclusively from WALKER BAY vineyards. Walker bay has a Mediterranean climate, which means longer growing seasons with moderate to warm temperatures.

Vineyard:

The wine come from two different block. The first vineyard is planted on both south-westerly and north facing vineyards situated on the shores of the lagoon which runs down to the cold Atlantic Ocean. The two contrasting slopes together with chalk and quartz stone rich soils make layers of aroma and complexity in the final wine. The second vineyard is located Overberg hills. A portion of the Shiraz is planted on Bokkeveld shale, giving body and structure, while the portion planted on sandstone gives elegance and floral, spicy characters.

Technical notes:

The grapes were harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and sorted in the cellar to ensure only the best fruit was used for fermentation. A portion of the blend was fermented as whole berries. The wine fermented naturally and aged in barrel (300L) for 12 months

Maturation:
100% matured in 300 litres barrel from Burgundy. This special size helps the wine to develop complexity and Terroir aromas. Because of its shape and the thickness of the staves, the barrel only gives gentle and elegant woody aromas. The wine is aged­­­ a minimum of 12months before the bottling. 15% new wood has been used to preserve the natural aromatic character of the wine.

Tasting : 

We pursued a single goal: making Syrah with voluptuous fruit that reflect Terroir and Passion. Syrah African Dream detaches itself from the standard of South Africa. Rich and well-balanced, this wine possesses a perfume of mixed spice and a palate of soft blackberry flavours.