Elegance, Excitement & Personality from the Cape
The current VINUM tasting impressively demonstrates: South Africa's winemakers are now producing some of the world's most fascinating Syrah wines. Inspired by the Rhône, yet independent in style and expression, they impress with freshness, depth, and characteristic terroir.
South Africa reinvents Syrah/Shiraz
Once known for its powerful, opulent red wines, South Africa today presents a new, modern side. The best Syrahs combine fruit, spice, and structure – elegant, lively, and with impressive balance.
Winemakers at the Cape are increasingly focusing on finesse rather than power. The influence of the cool Atlantic, the diversity of soils, and careful aging result in wines that gain worldwide attention for their complexity and freshness.
"We tasted not Rhône copies, but simply independent, great wines."
— Thomas Vaterlaus, VINUM Editor-in-Chief
A remarkable four South African wines ranked among the top five – this speaks louder than any theory:
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1st Place: Uva Mira Syrah 2017, Stellenbosch – 97 points
Strawberry milk chocolate, very delicate and earthy, filigree, a hint of firewood. Juicy and velvety on the palate, imbued with graceful power, subtle fruit, animating acidity, restrained. The tannins are polished yet grippy. Finishes fresh, making you promptly reach for the second, then third glass. Excellent. -
2nd Place: Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2020, Swartland – 96 points
Malt and fruit melt, very subtle nose, complex. Everything on the palate is also finely packed together, leading to a gentle melt, even though the enormous concentration comes to the fore. As dancing as the nose. Powerful, yet well-polished tannins. Enormous length, black pepper. A very successful Syrah interpretation. -
3rd Place: Raka Biography Shiraz 2020, Klein River – 95 points
Balsamic notes, currants and blackberries, a very attractive and seductive nose. On the palate, the wine is immediately present, with plenty of tannins that are well-integrated, a powerhouse, well-polished. Straightforward, with great concentration on the finish, good length. Shows tension. A touch of bouillabaisse, iodine. Displays a cool elegance throughout its journey on the palate. -
4th Place: Rust en Vrede Syrah 2021, Stellenbosch – 95 points
Very reserved on the nose, showing orange blossoms, wild berries. On the palate, much freshness in the attack, densely woven fruit, the tannin is solid, the acidity very well adjusted. Has a lot of class, long-lasting and powerful. An understated gentleman who seduces with an elegant gesture.
Climate, Terroir & Style – why Syrah from the Cape delights
Between the cool Atlantic breezes and the sunny slopes of Stellenbosch and Swartland, Syrahs with an unmistakable signature are created. Granite and slate soils, selective hand-picking, and finely dosed oak use ensure wines with structure, spice, and freshness.
South African Syrah is now synonymous with balance – less opulence, more elegance. This development shows that the Cape has long been one of the most exciting red wine regions in the world.
Discover the perfect combination: South African Syrah/Shiraz & Game Dishes
With its aroma of dark berries, fine peppery spice, and a hint of smoke, South African Syrah/Shiraz is the ideal companion for hearty dishes – especially game. The elegant, powerful red wines from the Cape bring exactly the depth and spice that make game dishes so exciting.
Here you'll find a delicious recipe that pairs perfectly with a glass of Syrah/Shiraz. Ideal for an enjoyable autumn evening.
Venison Loin Steak with Syrah Jus & Rosemary Potatoes
Ingredients (for 4 persons):
- 4 venison medallions (approx. 180g each)
- Salt & freshly ground pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 100 ml port wine
- 100 ml game stock
- 1 tbsp cranberry jam
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 tsp cold butter (for mounting)
- Side dish: potato gratin or celeriac puree
Preparation
Season the venison medallions all around with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a hot pan and sear the meat over high heat for about 2 minutes on each side. Then remove, wrap in aluminum foil, and keep warm. In the same pan, sauté the shallot until translucent. Deglaze with port wine and dissolve the roasting juices. Add game stock, cranberries, mustard, rosemary, and thyme. Let the sauce reduce by about half over medium heat until it is slightly syrupy.
Remove herbs, season with salt and pepper, and stir in the cold butter to make the sauce nice and shiny. Place the medallions on plates, spoon over the sauce, and serve with potato gratin or celeriac puree.
Wine Recommendation
Enjoy this hearty dish with a Syrah/Shiraz from Stellenbosch or Swartland. Its dark fruit aromas, spicy notes, and fine structure harmonize wonderfully with the game and the sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
Conclusion
South Africa proves once again with this VINUM tasting that its Syrahs/Shiraz are among the best of the New World, captivating with personality, depth, and energy.
