Donovan Rall Red 2020

Rall Winery works in Swartland, South Africa, where shale and sand soils and a warm, dry climate shape the fruit. This red is a blend built around Syrah, with Carignan and Cinsault and a portion of white Grenache co-fermented into the wine. Co-fermenting a white grape with the reds is a traditional Rhone technique that can lift aromatics and stabilise colour through shared phenolics. The grapes are picked earlier than is usual for the area, a deliberate choice to hold acidity and keep alcohol moderate in a hot region. Fermentation runs on native yeasts and the cap is plunged gently twice a day in the first week, a soft extraction that draws colour and flavour without hard tannin. Ageing in oak adds structure and slow oxygenation. The colour is deep and bright, the nose showing blueberry, plum, violet and a peppery, savoury edge. The palate is concentrated yet fresh, with fine tannin, firm acidity and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting briefly if young. It suits red meat and game.