Tasting Notes
The wine is powerful and well-structured with great length. Dark berry fruit dominates but there is abundant spice and a hint of liquorice. The oak plays a supporting role and contributed to achieving harmony in the blend.
Blend Information
75% Syrah, 25% Grenache Noir
In The Vineyard
The fruit was sourced from some of the oldest
vineyards in the area. The low yielding vines ensured super
ripe fruit.
In The Cellar
Fruit was fully crushed and destalked. Fermentation occurred naturally and slowly with regular pumpovers. After pressing the wine underwent MLF and 18 months of maturation in French oak barrels. To assist evolution and clarification, the wine was racked 3 times during this process before being bottled unfiltered. The blending occurred prior to bottling and each element was carefully determined to add complexity and structure while reflecting the region. The Shiraz ensures structure and maturation potential while the Grenache adds abundant fruit
and softness.
Additional Information
In 2006, the Grier family, owners of Villiera Wines in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa, realised their dream of owning a vineyard in the South of France. Their lengthy love affair with France began in 1983 after meeting Jean Louis Denois from Champagne, who later moved to
Limoux in the South of France. Regular visits to the area culminated in a growing interest to become physically involved. Jean Louis Denois identified the Fenouillèdes in Roussillon as prime “terroir” for the creation of top quality wines. Early in 2006, the ideal site became available and the Griers grabbed the opportunity to put in an offer which was accepted. The vineyard has become a natural extension of their South African based wine business, and they are assisted by Raphael Graugnard, a local winemaker who shares a passion for the region. Olympus is part of the story and represents the peak of what has been achieved at Domaine Grier.