The classic Rhone blend of Shiraz/Syrah with a dollop of Viognier which adds some fruit to the nose and, with co-fermentation, allows better colour extraction. Delicious, great value and easy to drink.

--------THE PRODUCER--------

AMGO BEVERAGES

AMGO Beverages is based in Mauritius and represents affordable wines from Italy and South Africa for export around the world. The company was formed by wine professionals with extensive wine sales experience.

--------THE GRAPE--------

Shiraz/Viognier

Shiraz Viognier is a blend that has gained considerable popularity in recent times. The roots of Shiraz Viognier lie in France's northern Rhône Valley, particularly the rocky slopes of Côte Rôtie, where Viognier has been traditionally used to make the quite deep and rustic local Syrah (Shiraz) more approachable. Most importantly the secret to good Shiraz Viognier blends though lies in the 'co-fermentation' process, which basically means fermenting the Shiraz and Viognier grapes together to allow for better flavour integration and colour extraction, resulting in a very attractive, bright purple coloured fermentation to boot.

One of the other key factors to influence Shiraz Viognier styles and flavours is the proportion of Viognier used. It is typically circa 5% in most blends, but can be up to 20% in some Coie Rotie, with the more Viognier in the blend, the more juicy and glossy the final wine can be.

--------THE REGION--------

Robertson

A wine-producing area in the Breede River Valley region of the Western Cape 160km east of Cape Town. Robertson is one of South Africa's better known wine-producing areas and is associated with the production of rich, fruit-driven red and white wines made most often from Chardonnay and Shiraz varieties.

The area covers the land directly surrounding the town of Robertson, from the ward of Eilandia in the west to Bonnievale in the east. It is separated from the semi-arid Klein Karoo region in the north by the Langeberg Mountains. The Breede River meanders through the region, and many of Robertson's scattered vineyards sit along its tributaries, as well as on the foothills of the mountains.

The dry, hot climate in Robertson is optimal for the production of premium grapes. Annual rainfall is a scant 400mm, and the river is used often for irrigation. However, south-easterly breezes from the Indian Ocean 90km away have a cooling effect on the vineyards and bring moisture to the area.

The distinctive medley of soil types gives wine farms in Robertson plenty of options when it comes to site selection. Rich, alluvial soils in the river valley are perfect for the production of red wine, while red, gravelly soils reminiscent of the nearby Karoo desert are well suited to white-wine varieties. Chardonnay grapes thrive on the pockets of limestone soil found throughout Robertson.

Robertson is known locally as the "valley of wine and roses". Farmers began to graze sheep in the area in the 18th Century, eventually leading to the establishment of a town in 1852. From the 19th Century, it has been home to ostrich farming and racehorse stud farms as well as vineyards and wine cellars.

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