Description
IN THE VINEYARD
The hand-selected fruit was harvested from dryland vineyards in theSwartland. The Shiraz is from a vineyard planted on oakleaf and koffieklip soil in 2001. The Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah were planted in 2002, mainly on oakleaf soil. The Grenache planted in 2006 on well drained decomposed granite soils.
HARVEST DATE
Mid-March 2015
WINEMAKING
Spice Route Malabar 2015 is a blend of scrupulously sorted vineyards, vinified and matured individually in Spice Route Winery’s dedicated Malabar cellar at Klein Amoskuil. The fruit was hand-harvested early in the morning into small lug boxes. After a bunch selection, the individual berries were hand-sorted over a sorting table and fermented in open oak fermenters (foudres), punching down the skins manually to give more structure to the final wine. After fermentation,the individual components were transferred to French oak barrels for 12 months. Only the best of these barrels was selected, then blended and returned to seasoned barrels for a further 10 months maturation.The wine was bottled without filtration and left to mature in the bottle for 2 years before release.
WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS
“With a very good winter rainfall of 577mm, we could carefully select each parcel of fruit to create a wine that truly reflects the excellence of the Swartland region. The wine has a well-integrated palate, opulent tannin structure and balanced mouth feel, giving it the potential to age another decade. Only 12 barrels were made though, so act quick. Due to the drought in 2016/2017 no Malabar was made. Enjoy!” – Charl du Plessis
TASTING NOTE
Layered and perfumed aromas of violets, plum, charcuterie spice and cocoa captivate the senses. On the palate there is dense black fruit, spice followed by supple age-worthy tannin and freshness. Spice Route Malabar 2015 is best complimented with slow roasted lamb or even a charcuterie tapas selection.
50% Syrah | 25% Mourvèdre |17% Grenache| 8% Petite Sirah
