COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2021
GRAPE
Syrah
PRODUCER
Damascene Winery
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
Medium - High
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Damascene Swartland Syrah 2021 is a red wine from South Africa's Swartland region, produced by Damascene Winery. The wine is crafted from Syrah grapes, sourced from three distinct vineyards across the Swartland, each contributing unique characteristics due to their varied soil compositions of granite, shale, and ferricrete. The 2021 vintage was influenced by a cool growing season, resulting in a later harvest that contributed to the wine's elegance and freshness. Damascene Winery, founded by Jean Smit and David Curl, operates under the philosophy of 'Less Cult, More Cultivation,' emphasizing the discovery and expression of individual vineyard sites. Winemaker Jean Smit actively seeks out unique parcels of fruit, aiming for the wines to tell a story of their origin.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€46
STYLE
Natural
SULPHITES
NO
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Sourced from three distinct Swartland vineyards.
Fact 02
Vineyards planted on granite, shale, and ferricrete soils.
Fact 03
Whole-berry fermentation with significant whole-cluster inclusion.
Fact 04
Matured in large Austrian oak vats (foudres).
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Damascene Swartland Syrah 2021 is produced using whole-berry fermentation, with a significant portion (50-75% in some vintages) fermented as whole clusters. Spontaneous fermentation with naturally occurring yeasts is a common practice. To enhance mouthfeel and tannin integration, submerged cap fermentation is employed on fruit from schist soils. Following fermentation, the wine is matured for approximately 11 months in 1000-liter oak foudres or 2000-liter Austrian oak vats. Malolactic conversion occurs spontaneously. The wine is bottled without fining to preserve its complex expression. The viticultural approach emphasizes minimal intervention and environmentally friendly practices, with vineyards typically being low-yielding to promote concentration.
