Wine Composition
60% Syrah (originates from Elim), 30% Grenache (from Walker Bay), 10% Petit Syrah (Franschhoek)
Winemaker Comments
This complex Syrah-based blend is the ideal partner to red meat in most of its forms. With its well-structured tannins, this wine beautifully complements the intensity of hard cheese.
Awards
Tim Atkin | 90 points
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
13.5% vol
TA
5.9 g/l
RS
2.5 g/l
pH
3.45
Vintage
The season started with a good winter, with high water levels in the soil and in dams. This resulted in good budding, approximately two weeks later than normal. In some areas, wind caused damage during November. The highest average December temperature in 48 years was recorded – no serious damage was caused, though. Closer to harvest-time, night temperatures were noticeably lower, which probably contributed to high natural acids, promoting quality. On 9 February harvesting was interrupted by rain, but without serious effects. Wines are full-bodied, with good intensity and high natural acids.
Cellar Techniques
The Shiraz vineyards of Elim are trellised and grow in shale with a layer of “koffieklip” (coffee stone). This, combined with the cool climate, produces wines with intense perfume flavours and a minerally palate. The Grenache vineyards of Walker Bay grow in more shallow, denser shale and yield wines with a high tannin content and a dark colour. The Franschhoek vineyards grow in deep, sandy soil of weathered granite and sandstone and produce elegant wines with a creamy texture. Because the grapes originate from diverse terroirs, the wines have depth and complexity.
Wines in the blend were harvested, sorted and fermented separately, then matured separately in new 300-litre oak barrels. After 40 months’ maturation the wines were blended and then bottled during October 2015. Only 3 600 bottles were produced.
Viticulturist
Pietie le Roux
Winemaker
Edmund Terblanche
Winery
Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in South Africa’s Cape winelands, La Motte is home to the finest wines, recognised internationally for exceptional quality. With its picturesque setting, traditional cuisine and historic charm, La Motte is an enchanting choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
La Motte was acquired in 1970 by the late Dr. Anton Rupert, an internationally respected industrialist who established a global business empire, and was held in high regard as a committed conservationist. Dr. Rupert and his art-devoted wife, Huberte, also played an immense role in the preservation of art. As much as there has been a dedication to producing top quality wine at La Motte since its acquisition by Dr. Rupert in 1970, the estate has also shown a distinct responsibility towards uplifting and empowering its people.
Environmental management is a high priority at La Motte and is factored into the long-term strategy as well as daily running of the estate. Examples of environmental care include the protection of precious natural flora known as ‘fynbos’ on the adjoining Wemmershoek mountains and adherence to biologic principles in the production of grapes, flowers and ethereal oils. La Motte was one of the first wine estates to be awarded the coveted ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification
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