# Spier Million Trees Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz (2023)

- **Producer:** Spier Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, black cherry, plum, violet, blackcurrant, black pepper, vanilla

## About this wine

The Spier Million Trees Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2023 is a red wine from Spier Wines in the Western Cape, South Africa. A distinctive aspect of this wine is its 'Million Trees' initiative, which links wine purchases to environmental conservation and social upliftment programs. The wine is also notable for its innovative, climate-smart paper packaging. Spier Wines itself is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, with a history dating back to 1692, and holds organic and ethical certifications, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and community.

## Interesting facts

- Wine purchase supports tree planting and community aid.
- Packaged in environmentally friendly paper.
- Spier is organically and ethically certified.
- Estate dates back to 1692.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and fruit-forward character pair well with richer protein dishes. The tannins in the Cabernet Sauvignon component can complement the protein in red meats, while the peppery notes from the Shiraz can echo spices in the food.

## Wine making process

The Spier Million Trees Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2023 is produced using grapes harvested separately at optimal ripeness. The grapes are destemmed and gently pressed before undergoing cold maceration and fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 10-14 days. Following fermentation, the wine is transferred to new stainless steel tanks for aging. The wine undergoes an initial 8-month aging period in stainless steel, after which the blend is created. It is then aged for an additional 5 months before bottling. Spier Wines is committed to sustainability, holding organic and ethical certifications and employing regenerative agriculture practices. The wine is presented in an environmentally friendly paper packaging.