{"product_id":"riebeek-valley-wine-co-raar-shiraz-2025-top-12","title":"Riebeek Valley Wine Co Raar Shiraz 2025 (Top 12)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRiebeek Valley Wine Co is based in Riebeek-Kasteel at the foot of the Kasteelberg in the Swartland, a region well known for its warm, dry conditions and ability to produce intensely flavoured Shiraz.\u003c\/strong\u003e Established in 1941, the winery works exclusively with Swartland fruit, with its RAAR range providing a space for more experimental and intuitive winemaking. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe RAAR Shiraz 2025 comes from Knolfontein Block 21, planted in 2011 in iron-rich Koffieklip soils. It takes a deliberately unconventional approach to Shiraz: 100% hand-harvested whole bunches undergo carbonic maceration under carbon dioxide for 10 days, followed by wild fermentation, extended skin contact and eight months in older 500-litre French oak barrels. The result is a fresher, more aromatic interpretation of Swartland Shiraz, with bright fruit and spice rather than heavy oak or weight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColour: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBright ruby red, with a youthful, vivid appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFresh raspberry and red cherry lead the way, followed by violets, rose petals and warm spice. With a little time in the glass, more savoury notes emerge, including blackcurrant, black olive, red peppercorn and subtle cured-meat character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium-bodied and energetic, with bright red and black berry fruit supported by firm but supple tannins. Fresh acidity gives the wine a lively feel, while the carbonic maceration brings a particularly fragrant, juicy quality to the Shiraz. Savoury spice and a subtle mineral character add depth without making the wine feel heavy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and mouth-watering, with lingering red and black berries, peppery spice and a gently savoury note.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Riebeek Cellars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45911633494195,"sku":"RW2528SH02","price":197.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/RiebeekRaarShirazCarbonicMaceration2025.jpg?v=1788158084","url":"https:\/\/www.wineofthemonth.co.za\/products\/riebeek-valley-wine-co-raar-shiraz-2025-top-12","provider":"Wine of the Month","version":"1.0","type":"link"}