National Shiraz Day: Celebrating with the Backsberg Pumphouse Shiraz 2022
Today is National Shiraz Day… and I’ve Got Something Special
So, it’s National Shiraz Day, and I thought… why not celebrate with something a little special? Sometime ago, I was gifted a bottle of the Backsberg Pumphouse Shiraz 2022, and honestly, it felt like the perfect companion for these lingering, chilly days as winter waves goodbye. There’s something comforting about a full-bodied Shiraz on a late afternoon sunbeam, a glass warming your hands while the world quietly slows down.
This Shiraz tells a story. From the high slopes of Paarl and Stellenbosch, kissed by cooling Atlantic breezes, to the humble pumphouse that gives the wine its name, the Pumphouse Shiraz captures heritage, care, and a touch of magic in every sip. So, pour yourself a generous glass and let’s explore what makes this wine a true South African treasure.
Heritage in a Glass
The “Family Tree” theme honours the rich tapestry of people and places that shaped the Backsberg legacy. This humble concrete block cradles life itself, nurturing vines that climb the slopes and reach for the sun, where stone and water meet to give life to grapes that will one day spill their stories into the glass. Positioned high on the mountain slopes, it epitomises Backsberg’s philosophy: unassuming, functional, yet extraordinary. Every glass of Pumphouse Shiraz is a nod to that humble brilliance and careful, thoughtful winemaking.
Backberg Pumphouse Shiraz 2022: Vineyard & Vinification
- Terroir: Grown in weathered granite soils on high-elevation slopes in Paarl and Stellenbosch, with cooling Atlantic breezes supporting optimal ripening.
- Vine Management: Trellised vines for maximum sun exposure, with carefully calibrated drip irrigation encouraging ideal flavour development. Yield is 8 tons per hectare, producing concentrated, high-quality fruit.
- Harvest & Fermentation: Grapes are hand-picked and whole-crushed, fermented slightly cooler and longer at 25 °C for 10 days, then pressed to finish fermentation in barrel.
- Oak Aging: 12 months in predominantly French oak, with 10% American oak adding creamy vanilla and coconut notes that lift the mid-palate.
Tasting Profile
In the glass, the Pumphouse Shiraz 2022 presents a deep, concentrated ruby hue, promising both intensity and elegance.
On the nose…
One will find layers of ripe black fruit: plum, black cherry, and mulberry all unfold alongside cedar, vanilla, and warm spice, with subtle hints of aniseed and mocha emerging as the wine opens. Notes of spiced fruit cake add a cozy, comforting aroma, perfect for late winter evenings.
On the palate…
The wine is full bodied and velvety, with black fruit flavours carrying through, complemented by liquorice, dark berry compote, and the sweet lift from American oak.
French oak provides finesse and structure, resulting in a plush, multi-dimensional mid-palate. Soft tannins and balanced acidity make this Shiraz generous, approachable, and beautifully harmonious.
The finish is long and rewarding, echoing layers of black fruit and warm spice. Overall, the Pumphouse Shiraz 2022 is structured yet approachably powerful, complex, and elegant; a true showcase of South African terroir and winemaking excellence.
My Overall Impression of the Pumphouse Shiraz
The Backsberg Pumphouse Shiraz 2022 is an outstanding wine that perfectly balances boldness and elegance.
Rich, velvety, and full-bodied, it delivers layers of ripe black fruit, warm spice, and nuanced oak, yet remains approachable for both seasoned Shiraz lovers and newcomers alike.
It’s a wine that keeps on giving, whether savoured on its own, paired with a hearty roast, or shared with friends on a crisp winter evening.
In short, it’s a luxurious, expressive Shiraz that exemplifies the best of South African winemaking.
Food Pairings
This Shiraz thrives with hearty companions: beef stew, roast lamb, venison, or smoky barbecue. It also works beautifully with aged cheeses, mushroom risotto, or dark chocolate desserts, where the richness complements bold flavours and makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Fun Facts About the Pumphouse Shiraz
- The humble pumphouse: The wine is named after a concrete pumphouse perched high on the slopes, essential for healthy vines and symbolic of Backsberg’s ethos: simple yet extraordinary.
- Coastal breeze magic: Cooling Atlantic winds slow ripening, helping grapes retain natural acidity while developing intense, layered flavours.
- Oak balance: 90% French oak for elegance, 10% American oak for subtle vanilla sweetness.
- A wine with staying power: Perfect for now, but will reward patience in the cellar for up to 12 years (if kept in the perfect cellaring conditions)
- Made for memories: Backsberg is about bringing people together, whether it’s a quiet glass or a dinner with friends.
Your Questions About the Backsberg Pumphouse Shiraz
What makes the Pumphouse Shiraz different from other Shiraz wines?
- Answer: It’s all about balance and story. The wine marries full bodied richness with elegant oak integration. The fruit is upfront but never overripe, and the French and American oak layers bring both finesse and subtle vanilla sweetness.
Is this wine beginner-friendly?
- Answer: Absolutely! Its velvety texture and approachable tannins make it easy to enjoy even if you’re new to Shiraz, while still offering depth for more experienced palates.
How should I serve it?
- Answer: Use a large red wine glass, serve slightly below room temperature (~16–18 °C), and decant for 30–60 minutes if you want the aromas to fully open.
What foods pair best?
- Answer: Hearty dishes like beef stew, roast lamb, or venison, smoky barbecue, aged cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts.
Can I age this wine?
- Answer: Definitely. The Pumphouse Shiraz 2022 can evolve beautifully over 5–12 years, developing deeper complexity in fruit, spice, and oak.
Whether you’re a Shiraz aficionado or simply in search of a plush, comforting glass to mark National Shiraz Day, the Backsberg Pumphouse Shiraz 2022 is a winner. A gift, a treat, or a cozy evening companion—it’s a wine that keeps on giving.
For more information or to shop online, visit Backsberg Family Wines, or pick up a bottle at select Pick n Pay stores.
And while you’re at it, why not enjoy it in style? Pop over to the Boozy Shop / Gift Store and grab some gorgeous glassware. Use code MBK10 for discounted prices on all glassware, because every great Shiraz deserves the perfect glass.