“If innovation makes your cellar’s heart beat sustainably, you could win the coveted Bellingham Bernard Podlashuk trophy and prize as a Shiraz producer this year.” This was the call for entries, Creation Wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde took up the challenge – and won!
Introduced by Shiraz SA in 2022 as part of their annual Shiraz Challenge, the trophy is named after Bernard Podlashuk who is regarded as the father of South African Shiraz. This year’s criteria were ‘excellence, innovation, creativity, sustainability, and social responsibility’. The judging panel was chaired by Charles Hopkins who remarked that the quality and variation of this year’s entries stood out.
According to Creation’s Creative Director Carolyn Martin the team is delighted with the win. “We are truly honoured to receive this trophy which I would like to dedicate to the entire Creation team. A prestigious accolade like this gives wings to our team. It is meaningful for each and every member as it speaks of our dedication, our aspirations and our hope to excel. “
What makes Creation Syrah exceptional? Cellarmaster Jean-Claude (JC) Martin believes in whole bunch fermentation. “The whole bunch component on the Syrah helps to give freshness to the wine, as well as building more layers and accentuating the savoury and spicy elements. Our cooler climate helps the spice to balance the dark fruit flavours of plum and dark cherry.” JC explains that the whole bunch component knits the elements together, lifts the nose and palate while still building more layers. “Syrah generally has a broad palate profile, so building depth and length without compromising elegance is the key.”
At Creation they use large open-top wood fermenters and natural ferments, so there are no additives. Open fermenters allow for hand punch-downs which means better temperature control. True to Creation’s dedication to innovation and sustainability they are now experimenting with concrete tanks in the production of their Syrah. The neutral vessel preserves fruity aromas and flavours while concrete tanks of course, need less energy to keep the wine at the required temperature, thereby contributing to a more sustainable production of Syrah.
Carolyn describes the Creation Reserve Syrah as follows: “Generous maraschino cherry and sun-dried peach harmonise with savoury black olive and lingering spice to offer a wine of great complexity.” The wine pairs well with hearty dishes such as roast, braaied or stewed meat and charcuterie. For vegetarians, she recommends vegetable sosasties, vegetable curries and ratatouille.
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