La Motte has just released the 2011 vintage of its award-winning Pierneef Shiraz Viognier blend. Popular for its Côte-Rôtie-style elegance, complexity and exceptional maturation potential, the Pierneef Shiraz Viognier has become a prime example of this classic blend made from South African fruit.
Since winemaker Bernard Podlashuk bottled the first single cultivar Shiraz in South Africa in 1957, the variety has become increasingly popular. Today, Shiraz is the second biggest planted red variety in South Africa and there is no shortage of wine labelled as single-cultivar Shiraz. The unique quality and style of a traditional French blend, however, never goes out of fashion and Shiraz blended with its long-established partners such as Viognier in the Northern-Rhône or Mourvèdre and Grenache in the Southern-Rhône, often has the potential for an exceptional wine.
La Motte’s 2011 edition of the Pierneef Shiraz Viognier consists of 90% Shiraz origination from Walker Bay (57%), Elim (30%) and Franschhoek (3%) and 10% Franschhoek Viognier. Although the Shiraz grapes were harvested at different times, they were always harvested together with some Viognier in order to ferment together. Matured in 300-litre French oak barrels (70% new) for 14 months before blending, the final blend was matured in barrels for another 4 months.
Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche, who is also chairman of the Shiraz Association of South Africa, shares his impressions on the 2011 Pierneef Shiraz Viognier: “Complex flavours and concentrated but juicy tannins from the Walker Bay area combines with the spices and flavours of Elim and the elegance of Franschhoek. The addition of 10% Viognier adds a slight perfume character and the results is a wine that offers elegance, finesse and freshness.”
The Pierneef artwork on the back label of the 2011 vintage, “Landskap met Huis”
A regular gold medal winner at international wine competitions such as Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, the International Wine Challenge, Mundus Vini, Michelangelo, Syrah du Monde and Decanter World Wines Awards,  the Pierneef Shiraz Viognier lists accolades such as the  International Wine Challenge Trophy (2005 vintage), 5 Star John Platter ratings in 2012 (2009 vintage) and 2013 (2010 vintage), 2008 Veritas Double Gold (2006 vintage) and Top 100 Wines of South Africa in 2012 and 2013 (2009 and 2010 vintage) among its achievements. The 2011 vintage has already been awarded with 4 ½ stars in John Platter, a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge and Classic Wine Trophy’s Bacchus trophy.
The Pierneef artwork on the back label of the 2011 vintage is the linocut named, “Landskap met Huis”
Notes to the editor:
Analysis:
Alcohol                                 13.41% vol
Residual sugar                   2.9 g/l
Total acidity                        6.0 g/l
pH                                          3.42
A limited edition of 2000 cartons (6 x 750 ml) was released.
The 2011 Pierneef Shiraz Viognier is available at the cellar door or online for R211 per bottle.
For more information on La Motte, please visit www.la-motte.com or call +27 (0)21 876 8000.
 
 
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