- Last updated on April 5, 2023
Welcome! This is our Stark-Condé Syrah review.
The Stark-Condé winery is located in the picturesque region of Stellenbosch in South Africa, known for producing some of the best wines in the country.
Their Syrah is a standout wine, crafted from grapes grown in the granite-rich soils of the Jonkershoek Valley.
This wine is known for its deep, rich flavors and silky smooth texture.
Find below our Stark-Condé Syrah full review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Stark-Condé Syrah Review
- Brand: Stark-Condé
- Grape Varietal: Syrah
- Region: South Africa, Western Cape
- Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant Jam & Plum fruit notes
- Glass & Serving: Bordeaux / 59-64 °F (15-18 °C) / Decant up to 1 hr
- Store: Up to 5 Years
- Price Range: ~$29
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Stark-Condé Syrah review: What's its color?
Stark-Condé Syrah wine has a deep, dark purple color, indicating its richness and depth.
When swirled, it forms thick, slow-moving tears on the side of the glass, suggesting a rich texture.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
What does Stark-Condé Syrah taste like?
Stark-Condé Syrah is a blend primarily made fom Syrah (98%) grapes and a small portion of Roussane (1%) and Viognier (1%) grapes.
The wine aged for 20 months in barrels.
Is Stark-Condé Syrah sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. Stark-Condé Syrah wine is a dry wine.
Dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Stark-Condé Syrah review: Which food pairs well with it?
Stark-Condé Syrah pairs well with a range of dishes, from roasted meats to game birds, and even hearty stews.
It is particularly well-suited to dishes with rich sauces, such as a classic beef bourguignon, or a hearty lamb stew.
The wine also pairs well with strong, hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Stark-Condé Syrah review: What's its alcohol content?
Stark-Condé Syrah wine’s alcohol content is 14%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Stark-Condé Syrah wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have a higher calories per glass than a wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per grams vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per grams of carbs, which include sugar.
What is Stark-Condé?
Here is an extract from the Stark-Condé website:
“Stark-Condé is a union of family names. “Stark” plays tribute to Hans’ mother Franziska Stark.
Best remembered for her fierce independence and insatiable curiosity, she was the first of the family to settle in Stellenbosch.
“Conde” is a salute to Jose’s father, a Cuban émigré to the United States.
Jose attributes his love of craft and work ethic to his father, who left Cuba as a young man to embrace challenge in a new country.“
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Stark-Condé Syrah is a bold and complex wine that showcases the best of South African winemaking.
Its deep, rich flavors and silky smooth texture make it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a hearty meal, this wine is sure to impress.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Enjoy!
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Syrah/Shiraz.
Where does Syrah/Shiraz grow best?
Syrah/Shiraz gives its best in a moderate to cool climate, eg France: Rhône Valley. It is though as well cultivated in warm climates too, e.g. Australia.
When is the perfect time to drink Syrah/Shiraz?
If you have organized a BBQ or have been invited to one, Syrah/Shiraz is your best bet. It will complement perfectly with ribs, burgers, and any other braised or roasted meats.
What are the differences between Syrah vs Shiraz?
Syrah and Shiraz are two different names for the same grape that though produces different styles.
- Syrah is the name used in France and for the “Old World” wine style. It usually has higher acidity, higher tannins, herbaceous and earthy notes, moderate fruit components with tertiary smoke flavors.
- Shiraz is the name used in Australia and for the “New World” wine style. It usually is easier to drink with fewer tannins, higher in alcohol, intense black fruit aromas, with tertiary spice (black pepper) flavors.
