The Foundry Syrah 2020

The Foundry Syrah 2020 is a meticulously crafted wine that captures the essence of its unique terroir, located just 6 km from the chilly waters of False Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. This premium Syrah is a testament to the precision and care employed in both vineyard management and winemaking processes.

Viticulture:
The vineyard’s proximity to False Bay significantly influences the microclimate, providing cooling breezes that are crucial for the development of the Syrah grapes. Planted on low vigor, well-drained soils of granitic origin, these vines are carefully managed to maintain a healthy balance between grape production and vegetative growth. Crop levels were reduced to 5.5 tons per hectare to ensure concentration and depth of flavor in the mature, naturally low-yielding vines. Rigorous selection before harvest ensured that only the best, uniformly ripe grapes were picked based on analysis, taste, and vine physiology.

Vinification:
The winemaking process began with the grapes being partially de-stemmed and crushed directly into custom-made 5-ton stainless steel fermenters, with about 30% of the bunches left whole to enhance structure and complexity. Fermentation started naturally and was completed with the aid of a neutral Rhone yeast. Manual punch-downs of the cap were performed twice daily at the beginning of fermentation, followed by pumping over during the last three days to optimize extraction. After fermentation, the wine was pressed and transferred directly to barrels, where it underwent natural malolactic fermentation. The aging process involved 300-liter “hogsheads” of tight-grained French Allier oak, with 7% new barrels and the remainder being second fill. The wine was racked once during its first year in oak and was bottled after 15 months without filtration, which may result in a harmless deposit forming in the bottle over time.

Tasting Notes:
The Foundry Syrah 2020 presents a deep, rich color with a vibrant nose that showcases the classic Syrah characteristics of dark fruits, peppery spice, and a subtle earthy quality. On the palate, this wine offers a robust yet refined profile with layers of blackberry, plum, and a hint of smoked meat, complemented by silky tannins and a well-integrated acidity that leads to a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Technical Analysis:

Alcohol: 13.88% vol
Total Acidity: 5.3 g/l
Extract: 29.1 g/l
pH: 3.61
Residual Sugar: 3 g/l
The Foundry Syrah 2020 is a sophisticated and elegant wine that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rich stews, and spicy dishes. Its complexity and structure also suggest that it will age gracefully, developing further nuances over time. This wine not only reflects the skill and passion of its makers but also the distinctive characteristics of the vineyard’s cool, maritime influenced terroir.