OLD ROAD WINE CO. ELITE 12 MILE SYRAH 2017

Introducing the Old Road Wine Co. Elite Range, a selection of ultra-premium regional-specific wines, handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail from vineyard to bottle. From the rugged corners of the Cape’s wine country, this Syrah reflects the loyal perseverance of the postman of old. Not deterred by rain or shine, a 12-mile distance or fatigue, this messenger never faltered.

The grapes used to make this cool-climate Syrah are cultivated in Cumulic - Oakleaf and Tukulu based soils and are carefully managed for ultra-premium quality. 420 meters above sea-level with west and north-west facing sloped. Handled with care for quality, which includes green harvesting and leaf removal on both sides for excellent colour. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimum ripeness, and dryland farming is applied to obtain good concentration.

In the cellar, 15% of the wine is fermented on stems. Cold fermentation takes place in open fermenters with punch-downs performed five times a day. The secondary malolactic fermentation takes place in 600L French oak barrels of which 25% is new wood. The wine remains in the barrel for 14 months and then undergoes a light fining before bottling.