The Family Syrah by Kevin Arnold 2023

Stellenbosch

The region around the town of Stellenbosch is probably one of the best-known places in South Africa where wine is grown. It is located in the South African province of Western Cape, which borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

Over 120 wine estates are located in Stellenbosch. They all benefit from the optimal climatic conditions required for top-quality winegrowing. The climate is Mediterranean, sunny and relatively dry in summer, but with sufficient rainfall in winter. The ocean within sight provides refreshing breezes and sufficient humidity, which are decisive factors for slow and harmonious fruit development, especially in midsummer. In the Bottelary area, which is considered the best red wine area in the region, fertile, stony granite soils ensure the top quality of the wines produced there. The foothills of the Simonsberg are also among the best red wine regions in the country. The summer days are long, there are cool breezes from the sea and the soil is excellent – red granite with a high clay content that retains water well. Some vines are planted on slate, which holds a lot of water in winter but dries out quickly in summer and therefore needs to be irrigated.