Alvis Drift `Signature` Shiraz 2021

Country
South Africa
Region
Worcester
Producer
Alvi`s Drift
Grape(s)
Shiraz (100%)
Type
Red
Style
Spicy
Oaked Style
Lightly oaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Dry
Alcohol Content
13.5%
Closure Style
Screw cap
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
Yes-certified sustainable
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No

Region

The Worcester wine region is South Africa`s largest and highest producing region, it is located 100km or a one and a half hours drive east of cape town. The district is sheltered by mountain ranges on every side creating a rain shadow that causes the area to be particularly hot and dry meaning irrigation is essential here, locals source this water from the nearby Brandvlei Dam. There are varying styles in the district due to the topographical variations, most grapes are grown in the gently rolling, more fertile valley floor, where the higher quality grapes are typically made from vineyards on the surrounding slopes, here the soils are better draining and suit lower yielding vines.

Producer

The Alvi’s Drift estate, based in the Breede River valley, is named after a bridge that was built across the river, which was commissioned in 1928 by the family as a means for the locals to cross safely. The estates founder Albertus Viljoen ‘Oupa Alvi’ notoriously scored the Springboks first try against the All Blacks on African soil. Today, his grandson Alvi van der Merwe is the winemaker and long side the vineyards, cultivated the land for fruit orchards and livestock herds, both dairy and free-roaming game. The family is committed to sustainability, giving back to the land, but also going beyond farming practices, helping local communities wherever possible, as this is fundamental to their values.
Tasting Notes
Made from hand-harvested Shiraz grapes in the ideal mediterranean microclimate of the Breed river, this wine has an intense aroma of rich dark fruit, plums, bramble and mulberry. On the palate the fruit continues with notes of savoury spices, pepper and vanilla after seeing 3 months of oak. The fresh acidity and well integrated tannins give good structure on the finish.
Food
This wine pairs well with pasta dishes or mushroom risotto. Also with a wide range of red meats on the grill.