Gabriëlskloof Landscape Series Syrah on Shale is a single-vineyard Syrah from the picturesque Overberg region of South Africa. This wine is an expression of the shale soils on which the grapes were grown, resulting in a wine that is both elegant and complex.
The winemaking process began with hand-harvesting of the grapes, followed by a careful sorting process to ensure only the best fruit was used. The grapes were then destemmed and fermented in open-top fermenters with regular punch-downs to extract the maximum amount of flavor and color.
The wine was then aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 18 months, adding layers of complexity and subtle oak notes to the wine. The result is a wine that showcases the typical flavors of Syrah, such as blackcurrant, black pepper, and licorice, but also displays unique characteristics from the shale soil, such as earthy minerality and a hint of spiciness.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a smooth and silky texture, balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish. This wine is a perfect match for grilled meats, hearty stews, and strong cheeses.