La Motte Syrah 2022 is a Franschhoek red shaped by the estate’s varied mountain and valley-floor sites, where shifts in altitude, soil, and microclimate give the wine both generosity and lift. It is a Syrah that leans into the grape’s savory, food-friendly nature while still carrying the ripe fruit and fuller body expected from Franschhoek. The result is a wine with real presence, but also enough freshness and detail to stay composed.
On the palate, the wine shows a full-bodied profile with the kind of fruit and structure that naturally suits richer dishes. There is a clear sense of ripeness here, but the style is not blunt. Careful extraction keeps the texture supple, while the oak adds shape rather than heaviness. The wine is especially well matched to grilled meats, peppercorn-crusted steak, game dishes with stewed fruit or warm spice, barbecued meats in sticky sauces, and even grilled vegetables, where its ripe fruit can meet sweet-savory flavors with ease.
On the palate, the wine shows a full-bodied profile with the kind of fruit and structure that naturally suits richer dishes. There is a clear sense of ripeness here, but the style is not blunt. Careful extraction keeps the texture supple, while the oak adds shape rather than heaviness. The wine is especially well matched to grilled meats, peppercorn-crusted steak, game dishes with stewed fruit or warm spice, barbecued meats in sticky sauces, and even grilled vegetables, where its ripe fruit can meet sweet-savory flavors with ease.
The Syrah vineyards range from 10 to 30 years of age and are planted across multiple estate blocks between 200 and 300 meters above sea level. These sites include sandstone- and granite-derived soils, from heavier slope soils to sandier, well-drained flatter areas, with different clones and microclimates contributing complexity to the final wine. The grapes were picked ripe but still firm, cooled overnight, then fully destemmed and fermented as whole berries in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts. Fermentation took place at 24 to 28°C, with twice-daily pump-overs and aeration. To preserve elegance and soften extraction, most lots were pressed before fermentation had fully finished. The wine was then matured for 14 months in 300-liter French oak barrels, 30% new, with 15% Durif included to enhance color and extraction.
Winemaker: Edmund Terblanche
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.
