# Kevin Arnold Shiraz (2020)

- **Producer:** Waterford Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Shiraz, Mourvèdre
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, liquorice, violet, cedar, smoke, leather, earth

## About this wine

The Kevin Arnold Shiraz is a distinguished South African red wine from Waterford Wines, located in the Blaauwklippen Valley of Stellenbosch. Named in honor of Kevin Arnold, the cellar master and co-owner, the wine reflects the estate's dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Waterford Estate, founded in 1998 by the Ord family, integrates conservation with winemaking, dedicating half of its land to preserving indigenous flora and fauna. This approach aims to capture the essence of the Stellenbosch terroir in every bottle.

## Interesting facts

- Named after cellar master Kevin Arnold, a key figure at Waterford.
- Estate prioritizes conservation, with 50% of land set aside.
- Features a small blend of Mourvèdre for added complexity.
- Holds WWF Conservation Champion status.

## Food pairing

The full body and soft tannins of this Shiraz make it a versatile partner for rich, protein-heavy dishes. The wine's inherent fruitiness and subtle spice notes complement grilled or braised meats, while the tannins provide a satisfying counterpoint to the fat.

## Wine making process

The Kevin Arnold Shiraz is crafted primarily from Shiraz with a small addition of Mourvèdre. The 2020 vintage benefited from ideal weather conditions, leading to an earlier harvest that preserved fruit freshness and flavor. Following harvest, the wine underwent an extended aging period of 22 months in French oak barriques of various sizes, with no new oak used. This aging process allows for integration and subtle influence from the wood. Waterford Estate's winemaking is guided by a philosophy of sustainability and terroir expression, supported by conservation efforts and ethical accreditations.