Ridgeback Shiraz 2019


I ntense, upfront notes of dark cherry, cracked black pepper, liquorice and a hint of tobacco leaf are cradled by oak spice and suede tannins on the long savoury finish.


Key ingredients

Shiraz 100%

Food Pairing

The elegantly bold and mildly spicy nature of our Shiraz pairs well with robust flavours such as Rump or Ribeye with blue cheese and truffle.

Experience the Essence: Indulge in Ridgeback Shiraz 2019

Bottle Analysis

Wine of Origin: Paarl
Extract: 34.7 g/l
Number of Bottles: 5 451
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Residual Sugar: 2.2 g/l
TA:  6.0 g
pH: 3.81
Total SO2: 90 mg/l
Release: February 2024


Winemaking

  • Harvesting was scheduled to obtain optimal phenolic ripeness and to ensure the retention of the vibrant fruit flavour in the berries. The hand harvested bunches were destalked onto a sorting table where only the very best berries were selected for ferment.

  • A whole berry component of about 30% reached the fermenter. For complexity and freshness a 5% portion of ripe stalks were added to the berries in the tank.

  • The mash was fermented in open top stainless steel fermenters at 24-280 C and ferment lasted 5-7 days.

  • Judicious pumpovers for extraction of flavour, aromatics and tannins were carried out 3- 4 times daily during this time.

  • The mash was immediately pressed after alcoholic fermentation was completed and the free run and pressed fractions were consolidated.

  • The wine was then gravity fed to 225Li barrels for secondary Malo-Lactic fermentation.

  • The wine was racked twice for clarification during the maturation period.

  • Maturation lasted for 17 months in 20% first, 67% second and 13% third-fill French oak barrels.

  • Blending of selected barrels was followed by a light filtration before bottling.