Shiraz 2020 – Fairview

To produce the Shiraz Fairview the bunches were destemmed and lightly crushed before fermentation. The grapes were fermented on the skins for 10 days and then pressed. Malolactic fermentation was completed in oak barrels with a small portion in tank. The wine was racked and aged in barrel for 12 months: a combination of French and American oak and approximately 20% new oak. The components were then selected, blended and bottled.

The Shiraz is sourced from a special selection of vineyards. These are predominantly at Fairview on the south-western slopes of Paarl Mountain on decomposed granite soils. Other components of the blend are from cooler Atlantic vineyards in Darling.

Fairview is situated on the lower slopes of Mount Paarl, which is more sheltered from the moderating maritime influence than nearby Stellenbosch. Vines were planted here as early as 1699. The property was bought by the grandfather of current owner Charles Back in 1937. Fairview has a reputation for consistent quality across a range of innovative styles, using both classic and unusual varieties, and leads the field in South Africa in matching varieties to specific sites. The Fairview estate now has a total of 680 hectares of vineyard over four appellations: Paarl (350 hectares), Swartland (155 hectares), Darling (140 hectares) and Stellenbosch (35 hectares). This vineyard ownership in so many different regions allows Charles to produce a wide range of wines, from grapes grown in optimal conditions. In 2014, Charles received a lifetime achievement award from the International Wine Challenge.