La Motte Syrah is a true expression of its Franschhoek terroir where micro-climates from the mountain slopes and valley floors add complexity to the wine’s elegant character.
The full-bodied character of this red wine harmonizes perfectly with rich, flavorful dishes, grilled foods (including grilled vegetables), game dishes (particularly those incorporating stewed fruit and sweet aromatic spice components), peppercorn-crusted steaks and barbecued meat in a sticky, sweet sauce. The red wine’s abundant fruit also latches onto the sweetness in jellies, chutneys and berry sauces.
The full-bodied character of this red wine harmonizes perfectly with rich, flavorful dishes, grilled foods (including grilled vegetables), game dishes (particularly those incorporating stewed fruit and sweet aromatic spice components), peppercorn-crusted steaks and barbecued meat in a sticky, sweet sauce. The red wine’s abundant fruit also latches onto the sweetness in jellies, chutneys and berry sauces.
The Syrah vineyards at La Motte Wine Estate are between 10 and 30 years old and are spread over different blocks with varying soil profiles. The vineyard blocks are situated between 200 and 300 meters above sea level. The soil is of a sandstone and granite origin and varies from a heavier texture along the slopes to a sandy, well-drained texture where the landscape is flatter. All the vineyards are trellised. Different clones and micro-climates on the estate lend varying characteristics to the wine.
Grapes were picked ripe, but still firm. They were cooled overnight, before 100% destemming, and the whole berries were placed into stainless steel tanks. Selected yeasts were added immediately, and fermentation was at between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. Tanks were pumped over twice daily, with good aeration. To promote elegance and soft extraction, most of the tanks were pressed before fermentation had been completed. The wine was matured in 300-liter French oak barrels for 14 months, 30% of which were new. To enhance color and extraction, 15% Durif was added. The wine was bottled in October 2019 and 17 000 cartons (6 x 750 ml) and 300 magnums were released as 2018 La Motte Syrah.
Winemaker: Edmund Terblanche
Grapes were picked ripe, but still firm. They were cooled overnight, before 100% destemming, and the whole berries were placed into stainless steel tanks. Selected yeasts were added immediately, and fermentation was at between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. Tanks were pumped over twice daily, with good aeration. To promote elegance and soft extraction, most of the tanks were pressed before fermentation had been completed. The wine was matured in 300-liter French oak barrels for 14 months, 30% of which were new. To enhance color and extraction, 15% Durif was added. The wine was bottled in October 2019 and 17 000 cartons (6 x 750 ml) and 300 magnums were released as 2018 La Motte Syrah.
Winemaker: Edmund Terblanche
Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in South Africa’s Cape winelands, La Motte is home to the finest wines, recognized internationally for exceptional quality. With its picturesque setting, traditional cuisine and historic charm, La Motte is an enchanting choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
La Motte was acquired in 1970 by the late Dr. Anton Rupert, an internationally respected industrialist who established a global business empire and was held in high regard as a committed conservationist. Dr. Rupert and his art-devoted wife, Hubert, also played an immense role in the preservation of art. As much as there has been a dedication to producing top quality wine at La Motte since its acquisition by Dr. Rupert in 1970, the estate has also shown a distinct responsibility towards uplifting and empowering its people.
Environmental management is a high priority at La Motte and is factored into the long-term strategy as well as daily running of the estate. Examples of environmental care include the protection of precious natural flora known as ‘fynbos’ on the adjoining Wemmershoek mountains and adherence to biologic principles in the production of grapes, flowers and ethereal oils. La Motte was one of the first wine estates to be awarded the coveted ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification.
La Motte was acquired in 1970 by the late Dr. Anton Rupert, an internationally respected industrialist who established a global business empire and was held in high regard as a committed conservationist. Dr. Rupert and his art-devoted wife, Hubert, also played an immense role in the preservation of art. As much as there has been a dedication to producing top quality wine at La Motte since its acquisition by Dr. Rupert in 1970, the estate has also shown a distinct responsibility towards uplifting and empowering its people.
Environmental management is a high priority at La Motte and is factored into the long-term strategy as well as daily running of the estate. Examples of environmental care include the protection of precious natural flora known as ‘fynbos’ on the adjoining Wemmershoek mountains and adherence to biologic principles in the production of grapes, flowers and ethereal oils. La Motte was one of the first wine estates to be awarded the coveted ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification.
