The Elements range is the ideal blend of fun and luxury while also being the perfect midweek tipple. The range offers two white wines, 2 red wines and a rosé. Let’s take a closer look at the Dark a Syrah blended from three vineyards.
Martin Smith, Paserene’s winemaker, has brought these three terroirs, Tulbagh, Elgin and Franschhoek, into a harmonious blend. Each of these captures unique characteristics that individually point to either and new or old-world style of wine, and when brought together, the Dark brings them together into harmony where each aspect plays off each other.
The colour shows a medium wine with a depth of ruby, gently lightening towards the rim. The nose, at first gentle, opens up to plums and blueberries, warm spices that remind you of Christmas and deeper notes of dried fruits. There are hints of crushed pink peppercorns, lavender, thyme, and a touch of iodine. The palate has ripe integrated tannins and is held by a sound acid structure that supports the lingering finish of dark chocolate and spice.
There are certain foods that naturally pair with Syrah such as roast chicken and barbecued meats. For something special look to the flavours of the South of France, the home of Syrah, for a choice of herbs to accentuate the nuanced notes of the wine. Consider a roast leg of lamb coated with Herbes de Provence, that lifts the floral lavender. For something with an Asian touch think of seared duck breasts with Chinese five-spice and plum sauce to speak to the warm spice and ripe plum of the wine. The balanced acidity of the Dark helps cut the richness of these layered dishes. This structure also makes the Dark ideal for a cheese board of rich and ripe soft cheeses with a blueberry preserve, dried fruits and charcuterie.
This is truly a Syrah that can transport you to the South of France – or to our unique Franschhoek winery – with a single sip.