Cool climate First Sighting Shiraz is an elegant expression of the Strandveld

Monday, 1 July, 2013
GC Communications
Strandveld Vineyards, Africa’s southernmost winery and home of First Sighting Wines, has released the 2011 vintage of its elegantly smooth, cool climate Shiraz, a beautiful expression of the farm’s singular micro climate, terroir and diverse vineyard sites, making it one of the finest examples of this hardy varietal the Elim ward has to offer.
Full-bodied with spicy pepper and mocha aromas and a minute Viognier component, First Sighting Shiraz 2011 boasts vibrant red berry fruit flavours and a creamy finish.

What sets this Shiraz apart from those produced in other areas, is its finesse and a rich history, rooted in the unique terroir, that still has a profound impact with every vintage. Winemaker Conrad Vlok explains: “The same cool maritime winds that helped Portuguese sailors discover a sea route round the southern tip of Africa still blows today, cooling our shiraz grapes as they slowly ripen, ensuring that the spicy flavours of the berry are captured in our wine.”
 
These unabating sea winds fan the vineyards almost every single day and are key to shaping the distinct character of every wine produced by the farm.
 
The First Sighting Shiraz 2011 matured for 12 months in 300 litre French oak barrels, mostly second and third fill. The result is a wine with soft tannins and well integrated oak flavours. Shiraz lovers will pick up the cool climate nuances, particularly the moderately lower alcohol levels compared with wines from warmer climes.
 
“Unlike the wines from warmer areas, our Shiraz is more elegant in style tempered by the sea, and our stony gravel soils are reflected in a mineral undertone,” adds Conrad, who recommends enjoying the 2011 Shiraz with hearty beef stew, Thai duck or springbok sirloin.

Visitors to Strandveld Vineyards, situated in the Elim ward near Bredasdorp, can purchase the First Sighting Shiraz 2011 for R70 at the tasting room. It is also available at fine boutique wine stores and wine merchants nationwide.  


Open for wine tastings in the historic tasting room and offering the experience to extend your stay in one of the welcoming guest cottages, Strandveld Vineyards, home of First Sighting Wines can be reached at Tel: +27 (0)28 482 1906 or via email at info@strandveld.co.za. Visit www.strandveld.co.za, Facebook or follow @First Sighting on Twitter. The GPS coordinates are 34 ° 39 ' 592 " S; 19 ° 47 ' 268 " E.