Wine: Percheron Shiraz Mourvedre

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: WO Western Cape 

Brand/Producer: Percheron

Grape Varietal: 70% Shiraz, 27% Mourvèdre & 3% Viognier

ABV: 14.0%

Type: Red

Code: 2282

Tasting Note

Co-fermented Shiraz and Viognier do their thing while waiting for the later Mourvedre to create this threesome. The nose suggests summer pudding, Chinese five spice and crushed raspberries with a latent creaminess. Red fruit on the palate which is at once vibrant and dark.

Producer

Percheron wines are a contemporary range of wines celebrating the history of the Percheron, a breed of heavy draft horses which were used in South African viticulture and the ancient vines they once tended to. A breed of French, heavy horses, Percheron horses were regularly used in the vineyard many years ago. 

The Percheron wines are made exclusively from old-vine fruit, grown in sites discovered by winemaker Ryno Byoosen in the farthest flung corners of the Cape, many of which were first established in Percheron horses’ heyday. Today, these wines celebrate traditional South African cultivars and the re-introduction of the Percheron to work the vineyards.

Winemaking

Grapes for Percheron Shiraz Mourvedre have been sourced from traditional growers in the Swartland area of the Cape. The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall summer months, tempered by cool afternoon breezes and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and to build up the reserves. This wine is made of 70% Shiraz, from the Riebeek Valley vineyards co fermented with 27% Mourvedre and 3% Viognier from the Kasteelberg slopes. During fermentation the skin cap is punched down multiple times a day in order to maximize extraction. The result is a rich and dark wine, packed with fruit and chocolaty notes and a big savoury heart.

Fun Fact

While today’s vineyards are farmed using modern agricultural machinery, Percheron horses are now being used again in artisan vineyards in South Africa. The vineyard managers are finding that the horses’ hooves are gentler to the soil and they fit easily between the closely planted old vines without damaging the plants.

Food pairing

A great partner to rich and savoury red meat dishes such as saltmarsh lamb, or a gutsy bean casserole.