South Africa is a very exciting wine region that is a blend of new and old world wine styles.  There are some very good wines being produced there right now, and It’s been my favorite wine region lately.   One I tried just the other day is a Rhone style blend called The Wolftrap.  Composed of Syrah, Mourvedre and Viognier,  this wine is made by Boekenhoutskloof in Franschhoek, Western Cape.

2013 Wolftrap Syrah, Mourvedre, & Viognier

About the Wine:  This wine is a blend of three Rhone Varietals; Syrah, Mourvedre, and Viognier.  The 2012 vintage is composed of 67% Syrah, 31% Mourvedre, and 2% Viognier.  It has a bright ruby-red color with aromas of toasty oak and spicy ripe cherries on the nose.  It is nicely balanced and has a smooth finish of cherry and raspberry along with some earthiness.  The 2013 vintage (pictured) is a blend of the same three varietals but just slightly different at 66% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre, and 2% Viognier.  The 2013 vintage received a score of 88 points from Wine Spectator, and is priced at $11.

The Winery: Boekenhoutskloof was established in 1776 in the Franschhoek Valley.  In 1993 the estate was bought and the 22 hectares of vineyards were re-planted with varietals such as Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon.  Winemaker Mark Kent has helped Boekenhoutskloof see its reputation for producing quality wines grow significantly in the last 12 years.

The Region: Farms were first established in the Franschhoek Valley in 1687.  The valley is surrounded by high mountains with the Berg river running through it.  Most vineyards are planted on the valley floor, but many are now being planted on steep slopes with well-drained sandstone soils.  One of the oldest vineyards in South Africa is located in Franschhoek, being planted in 1903.  Franschhoek was a wine ward within the Paarl district until 2010.  It is now its own district, with the most planted varietals being Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.  Other important varietals include Chardonnay, Merlot and Semillon.

If you are looking  for a smooth, easy drinking Rhone style blend, I would recommend The Wolftrap.  I’m looking forward to trying more wines by Boekenhoutskloof, as well as wines from other producers in the Franschhoek Valley.

Cheers!