Product Description
Varieties
100% Syrah
The Vineyard
Mediterranean climate with precisely 479mm rainfall during vintage growing season. Rust en Vrede
is a warmer microcosm in the Helderberg area, which is why we specialize in reds, particularly
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah which lend themselves to full bodied wines with powerful structure.
Approximately 34% of the Estate is planted with Syrah. Five clones of this variety are grown here:
SH1, SH21, SH9, SH99 & SH470. Our north facing vineyards are planted on Tukulu soil which
derives from Helderberg granite and Table Mountain sandstone, with small deposits of iron stone,
showing good water retention which allows for only moderate vine stress during dry years. A higher
amount of sandstone allows more drainage which results in weaker growth and more intense wines,
carefully monitored and supplemented by drip irrigation.
The Harvest
Picking began on the 28th of February 2017. The winter of 2016 was extremely dry with July seeing
the last of the proper rainfall of winter. The cool but dry months of spring ensured good budbreak
and small berries, although windy conditions during flowering resulted in a smaller crop. Cool
evenings after veraison encouraged excellent colour development as well good phenolic ripeness at
lower sugar levels.
Harvest Date: 28 Feb – 17 March 2017
The Cellar
Estate grown grapes are hand-harvested and partially destemmed, with 25% of the grapes kept as whole
bunches. Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters with manual punch-downs and pump-overs
performed 2 to 4 times daily. Maceration continues for 14 to 21 days. Parcels and clones are vinified
separately. Wine is matured in 500L French oak barrels for 16 months using a combination of 20%
new and 80% seasoned oak.
Alcohol 14.61%
pH 3.57
Acidity 5.8 g/l
Res. Sugar 2.1 g/l
Aging Potential
10 to 15 years.
