New Vintage Release - 2024 Reserve Syrah

Every August, guests to La Motte Wine Estate in the Franschhoek Valley have the opportunity to experience Shiraz (or Syrah as it is called here) in a variety of ways. As part of the estate’s celebration of National Shiraz Day (21 August) and its participation in Seven Days of Shiraz (21 – 28 August), the focus is on introducing this variety’s unique ability to adapt to terroir, how beautifully it blends and matures and of course, its exceptional versatility as a partner on the dinner table.

Syrah tasting at the estate

Guests are invited to relax in front of the welcoming Tasting Room fireplace or to make the most of sunny days on the veranda with a special Syrah Tasting featuring a beautifully matured vintage from the estate’s Rupert Vinoteque, the acclaimed Pierneef Atelier Syrah Viognier blend, the estate’s flagship red blend, Hanneli R and a new vintage release, the 2024 La Motte Reserve Syrah.

Moving away from its 100% Franschhoek wine of origin status of previous years, the 2024 Reserve Syrah is a sensational example of how the spicy, perfumed character of cool-climate Elim Syrah complements a creamy texture and red fruit Franschhoek profile. 58% of the grapes are from the Franschhoek estate, 40% from Elim and the remaining 2% originate from Stellenbosch.

2024 vintage and maturation

Recovering from two major winter storms leading up to the 2024 vintage, prolonged cold conditions initially delayed the growing season, but a hot, dry summer eventually resulted in the Shiraz harvest being earlier than the previous two years. Fermentation took place in stainless steel with regular pump-overs and whole-bunch fermentation for 20% of the Elim grapes. 30% of the wine was matured in 300-litre French oak barrels, while the remainder was aged in a combination of older 300-litre barrels and larger format casks.

After a 15-month maturation period, the wine was blended with 4% Petit Sirah to contribute intensity to the colour and a 2% touch of Cabernet Sauvignon to add depth and structure to the finish.

Medium-bodied with distinctive varietal aromas and a well-balanced palate, the 2024 La Motte Reserve Syrah is an outstanding culinary companion. Enjoy with rich and flavourful dishes, grilled or barbequed meat and vegetables, aromatic spices as well as fruity condiments.

Food pairings and recipes

Guests to L’Ami Family Brasserie on the estate are invited to try the 2024 Reserve Shiraz with a fillet from the kitchen’s open flame grill and Chef Stephan Moolman’s suggestion of either a gutsy peppercorn or the classic flavours of Beurre Bordelaise.

Also try one of our delicious recipes at home when you open a bottle of La Motte Reserve Syrah.

Café de Paris butter on sirloin – a classic partner to elegant Syrah.

Fennel and Paprika Spiced Lamb Chops – complementing Syrah’s spicy notes.

Chicken Marbella’s sweet and sour – balancing fruity nuances to perfection.