Shiraz

The rich, smoky flavours of grilled lamb chops, beef steaks, or venison are perfectly complemented by the wine’s bold fruit and spice notes. Spicy and saucy barbecue ribs or brisket will find a perfect partner in this Shiraz, as its acidity and tannins cut through the richness of the meat. Slow-cooked dishes like beef stew or oxtail provide a hearty match for the wine's depth and complexity. Strong, aged cheeses such as Gouda, Cheddar, or blue cheese enhance the wine’s rich, fruity character.

In 1693, Pieter “Den Deen” Erasmus embarked on a daring voyage from the Netherlands to settle in the Cape. Erasmus was granted the farm De Groenenbergh in Wagenmakersvallei by Governer Willem Adriaan van der Stel on 28 February 1699. He married Maria Elizabeth Joosten, who later joined him and gave birth to their son, Rasmus, the first of nine children. Until his death in 1731, Erasmus paved the way for what today can be seen as green-stretching vineyards in the area. He is the patriarch of the Erasmus family of South Africa, and his descendants are still engaged in the winemaking industry in the region to this day. With family at the heart of everything, Erasmus Family Wines is no different. As a highly focused family producer based in the heart of the winelands town of Paarl, we produce a select range of exceptional quality, Rhône-inspired wines from the fines terroir we can source. This approach to winemaking ensures we produce wines that are notably balanced, sophisticated, and truly artisanal. Erlank Erasmus, ex-winemaker at Fairview, is the enthusiastic creator of our award-winning, premier wine range. Being a self-confessed “Rhône ranger,” Erlank produces wines that are both smart and sophisticated, while also modern and supple. These wines are a genuine reflection of their unique Swartland terroir and offer exceptional value. Each label depicts the homestead of the Erasmus family, where the legacy of producing wines in the cellar under the family name was first established and will continue to expand. Our flagship range consists of a Family Reserve (Rhône-styled blend), Shiraz, and a Grenache Noir.

Grapes sourced from a distinct selection of dry-land vineyard in Paarl on predominantly “Koffie klip” Coffee-stone soils. Planted on a north-westerly facing rocky outcrop, the vines are pruned to a “bosstok” or bush vine. The vineyard is regularly visited during the ripening period and tested by tasting, visual and analytical examination to determine the ideal picking date.

The wine was then racked and sent to 30% new barrels for 12 months, only a light filtration was done before final blending and bottling.

Grapes were handpicked, destalked, lightly crushed and cold-soaked for 24 hours. After being fremented on the skins in open fermenters with frequent punch-downs malolacic fermentation was completed in French oak barrels.