With a history that is not only as interesting and old as the town it resides in, Theuniskraal, one of Tulbagh’s best-known wine farms is also one of South Africa’s first white-wine producing estates. The farm has been in the family since 1785 when the first vines were already being cultivated.
In 1948 the estate launched the first Riesling and since then has added to its impressive portfolio, which sees approximately 350 ha under vines. The vineyard blocks are situated at an altitude of 240 m above sea level with slight southern-facing slopes. Plantings are on predominantly stony, sandy loam soils and the trellised vines receive supplementary drip irrigation during the dry summer months.
One of the wines in the range is the Shiraz 2020, a Gold medal recipient at the prestigious 2022 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge. The Shiraz grapes were picked at 25º Balling in late March, whereafter it was fermented on the skins until dry for a period of 14 days at 20ºC. After pressing the wine went through malolactic fermentation and was also oaked on French oak for a period of eight months. During this period on the oak, micro-oxygenation was also applied for two months to soften the tannins and stabilise the colour.
According to winemaker Andries Jordaan Jnr, the wine, which is a beautiful ruby red colour, displays aromas of prunes and cherries, with nuances of nut and oak spices. A medium-bodied wine, the palate delivers flavours of berries with oak spices, perfectly supported by soft tannins.
The colder weather we are currently experiencing is ideally suited to the Theuniskraal Shiraz 2020, and its flavour profile is further enhanced when served with game, red meat or pasta dishes. Available directly off the farm at R80 per bottle or at select outlets nationwide.
