Best known for its big red wines, particularly Shiraz, Saronsberg is also a leader when it comes to Rhone-style blends.

This year marks the 10th vintage of the estate’s Full Circle red blend, which is also South Africa’s most awarded Rhône-style blend.

Situated in the sleepy town of Tulbagh, the history of Saronsberg dates back further than one would imagine. Saronsberg originally formed part of the historical Twee Jonge Gezellen. Saronsberg was acquired by owner Nick van Huyssteen in 2002 and in 2003 a huge part of the farm was destroyed by a devastating fire. This led to the establishing of new vineyards under the watchful eye of newly appointed winemaker Dewaldt Heyns. Winemaking officially began in 2004.

From the onset winemaker Dewaldt Heyns was determined to create a Rhône-style blend which highlights the individual grape varieties’ potential. Full Circle is made using four grape varieties: Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Initially, a substantial amount of the grapes were bought in, but the vines have matured and presently Full Circle is made exclusively using grapes from the farm.

“Because we knew that we would eventually use the grapes from Saronsberg, we bought grapes from vineyards with a similar terroir than ours,” explains Dewaldt. “We wanted to keep the wine stylistically the same to produce something wine lovers will recognise every time. The grapevines for the Full Circle blend used today are between 9 -12 years old.”

Over the years Saronsberg has created a wine that has been awarded many times, but most importantly it is a wine loved by all. They truly have come full circle!

The 2013 Saronsberg Full Circle is now available from the cellar at R275.00.