Whether it’s grilled over the coals or prepared in the comfort of your kitchen, it is a well-known fact that meat dishes pair perfectly with bold red wines. The partnership between a perfectly grilled steak and Syrah, however, is something truly magical.
Situated on the slopes of the Kasteelberg in the Swartland region, with their roots firmly established in the hard-baked shale heavy soils, the Riebeeksrivier Syrah vineyards benefit from typical Rhône-like terroir - ideal for this varietal expression. Cooling mountain breezes, which masterfully reign in the ripeness of the Swartland sun, ensures that the resultant wine is elegant and full of bright acidity. The grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness, and fermented in concrete Nico Velo tanks, resulting in an extraordinarily silky wine, with nuances of plum and spice, and a light peppery lift on the finish.
This Syrah’s full fruit flavour profile becomes a sublime contrast to the slightly bitter, richly charred flavours of a flame-grilled steak. Its bright acidity cuts through the ambrosial fattiness of the steak.
Produced from some of the oldest vines in the country, the Cape of Good Hope range comprises terroir-specific wines created in celebration of South Africa’s 365-year-old vinous heritage. The first vintage was launched in 2011, which led to the establishment of the Old Vines Initiative, initiated by Johann Rupert.
The Old Vines Initiative is regarded as a valuable contribution to the protection of South African heritage and mirrors the Rupert family’s contributions to the preservation of heritage in other fields, such as iconic art and architecture.
The Riebeeksrivier Syrah 2015 is available directly from the cellar door or online at R150 per bottle, as well as select outlets nationwide. For more information on this delicious wine visit www.capeofgoodhopewines.com.