A little Syrah, a little coffee-inspired experimentation, and a whole lot of character.

Blue Canary Syrah is a collaboration between friends Sam, founder of Minimalist Wines, and Dario, founder of Bluebird Coffee Roastery. The project explores the similarities between specialty coffee and fine wine, resulting in a distinctive Elgin Syrah made with an ancient anaerobic, or oxygen-free, fermentation technique.

Made from 100% Syrah grown in Elgin, the grapes underwent 10 days of carbonic maceration in carbon dioxide before being pressed into old neutral French oak barrels. This gentle approach preserves the natural fruit while building aromatic complexity and depth.

Tasting notes: Medium-bodied yet complex, Blue Canary Syrah opens with bright cherry and strawberry, alongside delicate floral notes. Beneath the vibrant red fruit lies a more savoury layer of earthy leather, cool-climate pepper and spice. The result is a fresh, expressive and highly aromatic Syrah with plenty of character. Serve slightly chilled for a refreshing take on a South African red.

Food pairing: Charcuterie: The bright red-fruit character works beautifully with cured meats and earthy charcuterie. Grilled Lamb: Cool-climate pepper and spice complement smoky, grilled lamb. Mushrooms: Earthy mushroom dishes bring out the savoury depth and leather notes in the wine. Pizza: A slightly chilled glass makes an excellent match for wood-fired pizza with mushrooms, cured meat or roasted vegetables.