November 2006

Shiraz Shines

By: Charlie Hardie (Cellar Master at Browns of Rivonia)

If Chenin Blanc took the honours in the 5 star Platter white wine category, then its red wine counterpart is undoubtedly Shiraz.

About 8 or so years ago I found myself in the Bot River area, close to Hermanus, and got chatting to one Niels Verburg, then winemaker at Beaumont. He averred that if South Africa were to create a wine, in quality terms, to take on the world, then it would come from Shiraz. At the time I doubted his wisdom, but not anymore.

The Shiraz cultivar has been around a long time in the Cape. It enjoys hot climes, home is the Rhone Valley in South east France, so it should feel right at home in the Cape’s Mediterranean climate. Stylistically speaking local Shiraz combines the fruit of the New World with classic structure.
The wines receiving the 5 star accolade come from diverse areas such as Franschhoek, Paarl and Caledon. Proof that Niels was spot on.

One final thought. Do not attempt this wine with cucumber sandwiches.

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