2021 Olifantsberg Syrah

The Breedekloof wine region is located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, known for its picturesque landscapes and significant wine production. Breedekloof is situated in the larger Western Cape wine region, which is one of South Africa's most prominent wine-producing areas. It is located in the Breede River Valley, northwest of Cape Town. The valley is surrounded by mountain ranges, creating a diverse range of microclimates that are well-suited to viticulture.

More information about the Breedkloof region

The Breedekloof wine region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This climate, along with the presence of the Breede River, provides ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The temperature variations between day and night contribute to the development of complex flavors in the grapes. The region is known for producing a wide range of grape varieties, both white and red. Some of the prominent white grape varieties include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Muscat. For red wines, Shiraz (Syrah), Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, and Merlot are commonly grown. Breedekloof is particularly renowned for its Chenin Blanc wines, which often exhibit a balance of crisp acidity and fruity flavors. The region's Chenin Blanc wines are highly regarded and have received international acclaim.

The Breedekloof wine region is home to numerous wineries, many of which offer tastings and tours. Some notable wineries in the area include Botha Cellar, Badsberg Wine Cellar, Opstal Estate, and Du Toitskloof Wines, among others. These wineries produce a variety of wine styles and showcase the diversity of the region's terroir. The Breedekloof region features a wide range of soils, from alluvial soils along the riverbanks to sandy soils and rocky outcrops. This diverse terroir allows for the cultivation of various grape varieties and contributes to the complexity of the wines produced in the region. The wines from Breedekloof cover a spectrum of styles, from crisp and aromatic whites to rich and full-bodied reds. The region is known for producing both still and sparkling wines, including Methode Cap Classique (MCC), South Africa's traditional method of sparkling wine production. In addition to its wine offerings, Breedekloof is known for its picturesque landscapes, including vineyard-covered hills and mountain backdrops. This natural beauty makes it a desirable destination for wine tourism and outdoor enthusiasts. Breedekloof, like many South African wine regions, has been gaining recognition for its quality wines on both the domestic and international stages. Its diverse grape cultivation and winemaking traditions contribute to the region's significance in the South African wine industry.

What grapes are used in Breedkloof?

The Breedekloof wine region in South Africa cultivates a variety of grape varieties for winemaking, reflecting the region's diverse terroir and its ability to produce a wide range of wine styles. Some of the primary grape varieties used in Breedekloof include:

Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc is a flagship white grape variety in Breedekloof and is widely regarded as one of the region's strengths. The grape thrives in the area's Mediterranean climate and is known for producing wines with a balance of vibrant acidity and fruity flavors. Breedekloof's Chenin Blanc wines are often crisp, refreshing, and showcase a range of fruit characteristics.

Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is another popular white grape variety grown in the region. It produces aromatic and zesty white wines with notes of citrus, grass, and sometimes tropical fruit. The cool nights and warm days in Breedekloof contribute to the development of vibrant Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Chardonnay: Chardonnay vines are also planted in Breedekloof. The region's Chardonnay wines vary in style, with some winemakers favoring a more crisp, unoaked approach, while others produce fuller-bodied, oaked Chardonnays.

Shiraz (Syrah): For red wines, Shiraz, known as Syrah in many parts of the world, is one of the dominant grape varieties in Breedekloof. The region's Shiraz wines are known for their rich, ripe fruit flavors, spice, and a hint of black pepper. These wines often exhibit good structure and depth.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is another significant red grape variety cultivated in Breedekloof. It is known for producing full-bodied and tannic wines with dark fruit flavors and the potential for aging.

Pinotage: Pinotage, a South African grape variety, is also grown in the region. It typically results in medium to full-bodied red wines with dark fruit characteristics and a unique smoky, earthy note.

Merlot: Merlot vines are planted in Breedekloof, contributing to the production of softer, fruit-forward red wines that are often used in blends or as varietal wines.

Other Varieties: In addition to the mentioned grape varieties, some winemakers in Breedekloof experiment with other varietals, both local and international, to explore different wine styles and expressions.

The diversity of grape varieties and the distinct terroir of Breedekloof contribute to a wide range of wine styles, from crisp and aromatic whites to robust and flavorful reds. The region's wines have been gaining recognition for their quality, making it a significant player in South Africa's wine industry.

What about Breedekloof's subregions?

Breedekloof is a wine-producing region in South Africa known for its excellent wines and stunning natural beauty. This wine region is located in the Western Cape Province and is part of the larger Worcester Wine and Olive Route. The Breedekloof Wine Valley is divided into several subregions, each with its unique characteristics and terroir. Here are some key subregions within Breedekloof:

Rawsonville: Rawsonville is one of the most well-known subregions in Breedekloof. It benefits from a diverse range of soil types and climatic conditions, making it ideal for the cultivation of a variety of grape varietals. The Breede River flows through this area, providing water for irrigation and contributing to the region's fertile soils. Some of the common grape varieties grown in Rawsonville include Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Shiraz.

Slanghoek: The Slanghoek Valley is known for its dramatic mountainous terrain, which has a significant influence on the microclimates in this subregion. The valley is surrounded by the Slanghoek and Hex River Mountains, which protect the vineyards from extreme weather conditions. Slanghoek is known for producing high-quality white wines, particularly Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Goudini: Goudini is located on the eastern side of Breedekloof and is characterized by the hot and dry climate. This region is renowned for its fortified wines and dessert wines, including Muscat and Hanepoot. The Goudini area is well-suited for these wine styles due to its climate and soil conditions.

Breedekloof Heights: This subregion is situated at higher elevations within Breedekloof, which results in cooler temperatures and a longer growing season. These conditions are particularly favorable for the production of elegant and high-quality white wines, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Saron: Saron is a smaller subregion in Breedekloof, located to the south. It is known for its sandy soils and warm climate. While it may not be as prominent as some of the other subregions, it still plays a role in the overall diversity of wines produced in Breedekloof.

Each of these subregions contributes to the unique terroir of Breedekloof and offers winemakers the opportunity to produce a wide range of wines, from crisp whites to rich reds and sweet dessert wines. The region's diverse microclimates and soil types provide the necessary conditions for cultivating a variety of grape varietals, making Breedekloof a significant player in South Africa's wine industry.

South Africa is one of the 'new wine countries'. However, wine has been grown here since 1652. The Dutch who started this in South Africa did not know much about wine, but after a few years the French appeared on the scene and they knew more about it. In that time, the South African wine has also improved considerably in quality. The temperature in South Africa is very high, which is why most wine-growing areas are on the coast. The sea breeze provides an ideal climate for growing grapes. Many areas can be found around Western Cape.

You will also find the beautiful town of Stellenbosch in this area. This place is all about growing wine. The residents are very hospitable and you can enjoy a good wine and the beautiful landscape here. Grand Cru wines have a nice range of naturally good South African wines. Products such as Warwick, Spier, Jordan, Wetshof, Creation, Buitenverwachting and Olifantsberg have been among our best-selling South African wines for years.

Red wine is made from blue grapes. The wines get their dark colour from the skin of the grape, which ferments with the grape juice. The intensity of the colour is determined by how long the juice has matured; a young red wine will have a somewhat purple colour, while older wines tend to be more orange or brown-red.

With around 10,000 varieties of grapes worldwide, you can go in all directions.

The most well-known blue grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah / Shiraz.

Types of red wine

There are many different types of grapes with different characteristics and aromas. The differences within grape varieties are due to the difference in climate, the soil where the vines are planted, and the amount of sun.

The end result is in the hands of the winemaker. During the process from juice to wine, the winemaker still has a lot of options to change the final product into what he wants to put on the market.

The upbringing of the wine plays a major role in this. After fermentation, the process of raising and maturing the wine begins. There are many options for influencing the wine, but the most well-known concerns the ageing in wood.

If the winemaker chooses to raise the wine on wood, many things come into play. The first choice is whether new or older barrels will be used. Older, used barrels release less or no more aromas and tannins, but they still have an oxidative function. New wood barrels let in dosed oxygen and ensure that the wine has aromas and tannins. This is more intense with smaller barrels than with large wooden barrels.

Dry red wine

The most famous red wine is a dry red wine. The number of grape varieties and different taste profiles are enormous. There is a nice glass of red for every moment.

Sweet red wine

Just like sweet white wine, there is sweet red wine too! They are a lot rarer than dry red wines. If you want to try something different, it's definitely worth a try.

Alcohol-free red wine

Non-alcoholic wine is becoming more and more popular. Whether it is red non-alcoholic wine, white non-alcoholic wine, or sparkling non-alcoholic wine, more and more attention is being paid to it. Perfect for a cosy drink during pregnancy, or during a non-alcoholic month!

Red wine Gift

Red wine is fun to give, and even more fun to receive! Grandcruwijnen has ready-made wine gifts to make your gift recipient happy ;)

If you have your eye on a bottle of wine, at Grandcruwijnen we also have gift packaging to complete your gift! If you've found something you like, you can easily add a gift card during checkout.

Buy red wine online

At Grandcruwijnen you can easily buy red wine online. In our range, you will find products from the well-known grape varieties. If you want to buy a nice red wine, you have come to the right place at Grandcruwijnen. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

Syrah, also called Shiraz, is a dark-skinned red wine grape variety known for producing bold, full-bodied wines with intense flavors. Here's what you need to know about this grape:

Origin

Syrah's origins date back to the Rhône Valley in France, especially in regions such as Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. It is one of the most important grapes in the renowned wines of the Northern Rhône. The exact origins of the grape are still debated, but it is believed to have ancient roots in the Middle East. However, genetic research shows that the grape originates from two grape varieties from southeastern France - Dureza and Mondeuse blanche

The taste of Syrah

The wines are known for their rich, dark fruit flavors such as blackberry, black cherry and plum. They often have notes of black pepper, smoked meat, violet and sometimes earthy undertones. The flavor profile can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil and winemaking techniques. In cooler climates this grape produces wines with more pepper and floral notes while in warmer climates it produces richer and fruitier notes, sometimes with coffee and chocolate notes. It pairs well with grilled meat, especially lamb and beef, in dishes such as stews or on the barbecue. It also goes well with cheeses such as aged cheddar or blue cheese.

Characteristics of Syrah

Syrah is known for its adaptability to various soil types and climates, making it a sustainable choice for vineyard cultivation. Additionally, many wine producers are adopting sustainable and organic practices in both vineyard management and winemaking.

Many Syrah wines have excellent aging potential, particularly those from the Northern Rhône. With proper cellaring, they can develop more complexity and soften over time, while retaining their fruitiness and structure.