Clayton Christians, 'Jam Jar', Shiraz, South Africa
Clayton Christians, 'Jam Jar', Shiraz, South Africa
This fresh, fruity, semi-sweet wine displays aromas and flavours of ripe blueberries, blackberries and raspberries with dark chocolate undertones. Refreshing and approachable with the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. Best served slightly chilled.
Country - South Africa
Region - Western Cape
Grape Varieties - 100% Shiraz
Alcohol by volume - 12.5%
Bottle - 75cl
The grapes were grown mainly in vineyards surrounding Paarl, a region with a Rhônelike climate that is ideal for Shiraz cultivation. Soils are primarily eroded shale and loam on top of decomposed clay. The vineyards range from 16-20 years of age. Most of Jam Jar’s Shiraz is grown on the warmer north and northwestern facing slopes, resulting in rich dark berry fruit flavors and a fuller body. The grapes were picked in the cool early morning hours and de-stemmed. They were cold macerated for two days before undergoing fermentation. Fermentation began spontaneously in stainless steel tanks, using only indigenous yeasts. Shortly thereafter, the fermenting must was inoculated with the selected yeast strain. Fermentation took place over a 12-14 day period, after which the wine was left on its skins for an additional five days. Regular pumpovers were performed during fermentation. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in tank and was aged on its fine lees, with approximately 20% of the wine aged on French oak for six months. An important building block of Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz is a naturally sweet component, which is removed from the skins (typically 10-12% of the grapes) once it has fermented to 12° Balling. This component adds complexity and makes the wine softer and rounder.
More fun than your standard Shiraz, this fresh, fruity, semi-sweet wine delivers aromas of ripe blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries with dark chocolate undertones. The perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, this approachable Shiraz makes a great aperitif and pairs equally well with both savory and sweet foods. Best served slightly chilled.