Wine: Rozier Reef Shiraz

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: Western Cape

Producer: Mount Rozier

Grape Varietal: Shiraz

ABV: 13.0%

Type: Red

Code: 8514

Tasting Note

Beautiful, concentrated aromas of black fruits like blackberries and black cherries dance with hints of violets and sweet spice undertones. The aromatics continue onto a gentle palate with fresh rounded tannins.  A vibrant juicy medium-bodied wine.

Producer

Purchased by the Gabb family (owners of Journey’s End winery) in 2009, Mount Rozier was founded at the turn of the 19th century by Annie Rozier, a flower merchant. The Gabbs have nurtured the estate and encouraged the proliferation of many indigenous species of flora and fauna, which inspire the characteristics of Mount Rozier wines. Each wine brings a sense of the terroir and the winery continues to focus on minimal intervention, sustainable and ethical farming practices, and irreconcilable quality.

Winemaking

Shiraz grapes are hand-harvested from old sustainably farmed bush vines. They are chilled overnight before being partially destemmed and placed as whole berries in open-top fermenters with punching over during fermentation. 20% of the final wine is oak matured in 500 L barrels for 8 months. The final blending takes place just before bottling.

Fun Fact

Mount Rozier was founded at the turn of the 19th century by Annie Rozier, a flower merchant. She picked wildflowers in the Schapenberg hills surrounding her family’s homestead and famously, she also produced natural remedies and medicines for the local community. In the 1920s, the Stellebosch-based estate formed part of Myrtle Grove, where the first-ever commercial plantings of Pinotage were grown in 1941 by Professor Perold.

Food pairing

The subtle spicy notes in the wine pair will be rich meat dishes, especially those with aromatic marinades and spice rubs.