Create Your Own Memories With Theuniskraal’s Shiraz 2020

With a history that is not only as interesting and old as the town it resides in, Theuniskraal, one of Tulbagh’s best-known wine farms, which has been in the Jordaan family since 1927, is also one of South Africa’s first white-wine producing estates.

In 1948 the estate launched its well-known and popular Cape Riesling and since then has added to its impressive portfolio, which sees approximately 350 ha under vines. The vineyard blocks are situated at an altitude of 240 m above sea level with slight southern-facing slopes. Plantings are on predominantly stony, sandy loam soils and the trellised vines receive supplementary drip irrigation during the dry summer months.

Winemaker Andries Jordaan Jnr and his cousins, Flippie and Wagner, the third generation at Theuniskraal

One of the wines in the range is the Shiraz 2020, a Gold medal recipient at the prestigious 2022 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge. The Shiraz grapes were picked at 25º Balling in late March, whereafter it was fermented on the skins until dry for a period of 14 days at 20ºC. After pressing the wine went through malolactic fermentation and was also oaked on French oak for a period of eight months. During this period on the oak, micro-oxygenation was also applied for two months to soften the tannins and stabilise the colour.

According to winemaker Andries Jordaan Jnr, the wine, which is a beautiful ruby red colour, displays aromas of prunes and cherries, with nuances of nut and oak spices. A medium-bodied wine, the palate delivers flavours of berries with oak spices, perfectly supported by soft tannins.

The colder weather we are currently experiencing is ideally suited to the Theuniskraal Shiraz 2020, and its flavour profile is further enhanced when served with game, red meat or pasta dishes. Available directly off the farm at R80 per bottle or at select outlets nationwide.

For more information visit www.theuniskraal.co.za/.

A little background

In the early 1700s, Theunis Bevernagie settled in a fertile valley guarded by the towering Witzenberg and Winterhoek mountains, and fed by the Klein Berg River. His name was to be enshrined in local wine lore for in 1927 Theuniskraal was bought by the Jordaan family, specifically for winemaking. In 1948, Andries Jordaan launched the estate's Cape Riesling – and a South African icon was born. The Theuniskraal Cape Riesling took gold at the Commonwealth Wine Show against international competition.

Andries' sons, Kobus and Rennie continued the tradition of their fine Cape Riesling, extending plantings with other classic varieties, both white and red. Today their sons Andries and Wagner carry on the family’s hands-on quality approach to winemaking.