Stellenbosch, South Africa. Here, the scent of South African fynbos blends with the cool air drifting in from the ocean. And it is here that Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah is born, a wine that perfectly represents the modern winemaking spirit of the Cape of Good Hope. It is produced by Bellingham, an estate founded in 1693 that underwent a true revolution in the 1940s thanks to Bernard Podlashuk, the man who practically invented the concept of quality wine in this region. Stellenbosch enjoys remarkable climatic fortune, as its granite mountains create a perfect natural amphitheatre. The proximity to False Bay guarantees constant breezes that cool the vineyards even on the hottest days, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop extraordinary aromatic complexity. Made from 100% Syrah, this grape variety is often called Shiraz in South Africa, though Bellingham deliberately highlights its connection with Rhône-style wines by choosing the European name. After a meticulous hand harvest, the must is worked using a “basket press”, a vertical manual press that handles the grapes with exceptional care. This technique extracts only the finest qualities from the skins without stressing the fruit. The wine then matures for 14 months in small French oak barrels, allowing the wood to integrate perfectly without ever overshadowing the soul of the fruit. In the glass it displays a deep, impenetrable ruby red colour. On the nose, white and black pepper appear first, followed by an intense wave of dark chocolate. After a few moments, notes of red berries and a subtle herbal touch emerge, giving the wine a balsamic nuance. On the palate it is incredibly refined. The tannins are polished and the finish is long, spicy and impeccably clean. The classic pairing is sliced beef steak with green peppercorn sauce, where the spice of the dish perfectly matches that of the wine. It is also excellent with game dishes or roast lamb.