Delaire Graff Shiraz

From the lofty summits of the Helshoogte mountains—in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa—Delaire Graff Shiraz arrives directly.

This red wine is crafted by the esteemed Delaire Estate. However, referring to it merely as a winery would be an understatement. Specifically, Delaire Estate is one of the world's most expansive winegrowing complexes, featuring hotels, restaurants, beauty centers, boutiques, and wineries. All this opulence and exclusivity is the brainchild of one individual: Laurence Graff, an English jeweler and billionaire, who acquired the 20-hectare vineyard estate in 2003. Amidst this intricate setting, the production of wines that are esteemed as some of the most expensive in the country continues. The individuals tasked with achieving this are their winemaker, Morné Vrey, and their viticulturist, Kallie Fernhout, who have been working in close collaboration for over a decade.

The vineyards here flourish at a certain altitude, which in the past was utilized by French Huguenot Protestants to spot ships approaching Cape Town. As for the climate in these valleys—known as 'The Cape Winelands'—it is characterized by a Mediterranean type, with hot summers, cold winters, and clear, sunny skies.

Delaire Graff Shiraz is one of the wines produced here. Specifically, Delaire Graff Shiraz is a red wine made from the syrah grape, one of the first varietals planted in South Africa (derived from other varieties of Lambrusco in the French Dauphiné), and which were introduced to this country by settlers in the 17th century. This grape is harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning, to preserve all the aromas and qualities of the berry. After a gentle crushing and maceration (where the must is in contact with the skins), Delaire Graff Shiraz ferments slowly and at low temperatures, in order to extract all the varietal aromas. Once the wine is racked and separated, Delaire Graff Shiraz will undergo a maturation period of 12 months in aged French oak barrels.