variety : Shiraz [ 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon ]
winemaker : Thinus Kruger
wine of origin : Coastal
analysis : alc : 13.85 % vol rs : 6.8 g/l pH : 3.51 ta : 5.7 g/l
type : Red style : Dry body : Medium wooded
pack : Bottle closure : Cork
in the vineyard : This Distell label takes its name from the two great oceans that converge at the Cape, the Indian and the Atlantic. The Cape’s Coastal Region enjoys a temperate climate, cooled by day-time maritime breezes from both oceans and a drop in night-time temperatures to allow grapes to ripen slowly. In addition, the moderate humidity means vines are far less prone to disease than in areas with higher moisture levels.
The winemaker works very closely with a team of viticulturists and he rigorously supervises pruning, suckering and canopy management for optimal crop yield. During the ripening season the grapes are tasted daily for ripeness and also chemically analysed to ensure they are picked when varietal flavours are most concentrated and there is a good balance between fruit and acid.
Vineyards (viticulturist: Bennie Liebenberg)
The Shiraz grapes were sourced from bush and trellised vineyards in the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Malmesbury, Wellington and Worcester areas, ranging from 50 m to 180 m above sea level. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were sourced from vineyards in the coastal areas. They were grown in a range of soils from decomposed granite to deep, red.
in the cellar : The grapes of both cultivars were fermented separately for seven days on the skins. After pressing the wine, malolactic fermentation was induced, and completed in stainless steel tanks. Upon completion of the malolactic fermentation the wines were matured separately. Both wines were matured on French oak chips, and micro-oxygenation was used to soften the tannins, and to add complexity to the flavour. The final blended result was 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 60% Shiraz.