At the table with Thokozani Shiraz 2023
Powerful and spicy, this wine deserves dishes with pronounced flavors such as West Indian black pudding, a spiced rack of lamb, a leg of deer or a grilled duck breast. It can also be used with a beautiful alpine Etivaz or a lovely matured Beaufort!
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Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Thokozani Shiraz 2023Diemersfontein
It is a blend of 3 grape varieties: Shiraz (Syrah), Mourvèdre and Viognier. The grapes were harvested in three separate lots and fermented individually. The Mourvèdre and Shiraz are aged in oak barrels for 7 to 8 months to soften the tannins. The Viognier brings volume on the palate and fruit to the wine. It is a powerful, complex wine with flavours of blackberry, blueberry, cedar, liquorice, dried cherry, prune, cigar, mocha, cocoa and leather. The palate is broad and voluptuous. The long finish shows spice that never encroaches on the fruit.
Where are we traveling?
The Coastal RegionSouth Africa
The Coastal Region is the most important wine-growing region in the Western Cape and the epicenter of the South African wine industry. This region stretches 105 kilometers from north to south and 50 kilometers from east to west. The Atlantic Ocean forms its western border and the Boland Mountains to the east. The Hottentot Holland Mountains to the south protect it from the influence of the ocean and it is also crossed by small mountainous "islands" (Paarl Rock, Paardeberg and Simonsberg). This region is influenced by both oceans and mountains and there are many microclimates. The climate is Mediterranean and the influence of the oceans is felt more markedly near the coasts but the interior of the region is warmer.
The sub-region: Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is perhaps South Africa's most famous wine region. The town, located in the coastal Western Cape, is steeped in history and home to the country's most famous wineries. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most common grape variety in the region and is often combined with Merlot to create blended wines like those found in Bordeaux. Vineyards cover the gently rolling hills of Stellenbosch, from Helderberg in the south to the lower slopes of Simonsberg Mountain in the north. This terrain allows for a wide variety of wine styles, and among the exposed hills and sheltered valleys, microclimates are found suitable for growing all kinds of grape varieties. The region's climate is relatively warm and dry, although there is a maritime influence from False Bay in the south. Refreshing southeasterly breezes blow through the vineyards in the afternoon, refreshing the grapes after the heat of the morning sun. White wine varieties are often planted closer to the ocean, where this effect is more pronounced.
The little history of the country
South Africa
The first vines were planted in South Africa by Dutch settlers in the 1650s, although wine production did not really begin to take off until the arrival of French Protestants, in the 1680s, with their skills and their knowledge of viticulture. Stellenbosch is also a historic wine region, with the first vineyards being planted there in the 1690s.
Today South Africa is one of the most important wine producing countries in the southern hemisphere. With over 300 years of winemaking history, it is often described as a bridge between the Old and New Worlds. The majority of wines are produced using New World winemaking techniques, but they often have more in common stylistically with their Old World counterparts. Since the end of apartheid, South African wine has received international attention and acclaim for its wide variety of styles.
South Africa's wine industry is spread across the lush and rugged landscape of the Western Cape. Here, the abundance of mountains, valleys and plateaus allows winemakers to produce a wide variety of styles. Vineyards can also be found in the Orange River region of the Northern Cape, where the flat, arid landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert. Most of South Africa's wine regions have a Mediterranean climate, strongly influenced by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
The country's signature grape variety is Pinotage, an indigenous cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut that is rarely found in quantity in other wine-producing countries. Shiraz (Syrah) is also widely planted, as are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often combined in a Bordeaux blend). South African Chardonnay, Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc have become popular internationally in recent years.
All about Thokozani Shiraz 2023
At what temperature should Thokozani Shiraz 2023 be served?
Between 16 and 18 °C. An hour in a decanter helps it open up.
How long can Thokozani Shiraz 2023 be kept?
Ageing potential: 5 to 10 years, until around 2033. Store the bottle lying down, away from light, at around 12 °C.
Which grapes make up Thokozani Shiraz 2023?
Grapes: 80% Shiraz, 19% Mourvèdre, 1% Viognier. Origin: Wellington, South Africa. Alcohol: 14%.
What to serve with Thokozani Shiraz 2023?
Thokozani Shiraz 2023 pairs well with lamb, beef, soft cheese and hard cheese. Our dish ideas are in the food pairing box at the top of the page.