Wolf & Woman Syrah 2023
The wonderful Claire from Wildfire Wine & Co recommended this wine. In our interview Claire had this to say about why she chose this wine from Jolandie Fouché:
I've always loved the quote from Nikita Gill. “Some days I am more wolf than woman, and I am still learning how to stop apologising for my wild”. So when I saw Wolf and Woman, that immediately sprung to my mind… I turned the bottle over and the quote was there on the back label. It felt like a moment; like kismet; like I was meant to have this wine.
The Wine:
The deepest densest ruby takes its time opening up...ultimately releasing a beautifully profound nose of mulberries, ripe plums, pomegranate, guava flesh, fynbos, allspice, liquorice and star anise.
In contrast to the colour, it has a mid weight body, with finely grained tannins, and lovely acidity. Red fruits dominate the fairly lengthy finish: red plums, cranberries, and guava. The spices are, at first, more savoury coriander seeds, but with the tartness of the red fruits, become sweeter towards the end.
Vini + Viti:
A blend of Syrah from two different Swartland vineyards: one iron-rich (90%), the other schist (10%) soils.
100% whole bunches were cold soaked for 3 days in open top fermenters before natural fermentation began with daily punch-downs.
Post fermentation maceration for 12 days, followed by a light pressing into 500 litre old oak barrels to be matured for 10 months before being racked, blended and bottled.
ALC 13.3 % | PH 3.8 | RS 1.8g/L | TA 5.3 g/L
Final thoughts:
Claire and I noted how despite the deep, dense colour, the wine felt refreshing and not at all heavy...yet it was still fully satisfying in the midst of winter. I paired this with a cabanosi as we chatted.
Find the Wine:
Read my thoughts on the Wolf & Woman Chenin Blanc 2021
