# Merindol Syrah (2015)

- **Producer:** Simonsig Estate
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.3%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Passed
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black pepper, black plum, chocolate, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, leather, earth

## About this wine

The Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2015 is a 100% Syrah from Stellenbosch, South Africa. The Merindol vineyard, established in 1996, is situated on deep red Hutton soil of weathered granite origin. The name 'Merindol' is a tribute to the French village of the Malan family's ancestors. Simonsig Estate, a family-owned producer, has a philosophy of optimizing quality through the strategic replanting of Shiraz vineyards with superior clones on carefully selected sites.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Merindol' honors the French village of the Malan family's ancestors.
- The vineyard was planted with a specific French Shiraz clone (SH 99).
- The 2015 harvest was one of the earliest in decades for Simonsig.
- The wine underwent extended maceration for 31 days.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and structured tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats. Flavors of dark fruit and spice in the wine can echo or contrast with savory elements in the dishes, creating a balanced and engaging culinary experience.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2015 began with crushed and destemmed grapes that underwent a two-day cold soak before inoculation. Fermentation occurred at a peak temperature of 28°C with regular pump-overs for color and tannin extraction. An extended maceration period of 31 days followed. Malolactic fermentation took place in new French oak barrels. The wine was subsequently aged for 15 months in 100% new French oak barriques (1st fill).