Arid, Shiraz

History

: Arid Wines (Arid & Co.) is a South African wine producer based in Stellenbosch, led by owner and winemaker Michael van Niekerk. Michael grew up on the remote Northern Cape farm “Gemsbokkolk,” where his deep connection to nature first developed. After studying viticulture and winemaking in Stellenbosch, he gained international experience through harvest internships in Australia, as well as in the United States and Italy, before returning to South Africa to continue his winemaking career.

Arid sources grapes from multiple regions including Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Robertson, building its blends and wine styles through the diversity of these terroirs. The winery places particular emphasis on phenolic ripeness and precise fermentation temperature control during harvest and vinification. Both open and closed fermenters are used depending on the batch, while extended maceration periods of up to 21 days are employed to enhance complexity and structure. The wines are then matured in French oak barrels for 9 to 16 months in pursuit of purity and balance.

Michael is also recognized for his work with indigenous South African wood tannins, contributing to the production of No Sulphur Added wines. Arid’s wines are presented as vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and naturally settled, with an unfiltered style that reflects minimal intervention. The brand’s visual identity further reflects its philosophy, as the animal images featured on the labels are authentic photographs captured in the South African wilderness, with official references noting years such as 2014, 2018, and 2019 as the original shooting dates. Arid also states its support for Ingwe Leopard Research, reinforcing the winery’s connection to wildlife conservation and the natural environment.

About Wine

: This wine embraces simplicity and minimalism as its core philosophy, aiming to capture the pure essence of the grape with as little intervention as possible throughout the winemaking process. No filtration or stabilization is carried out prior to bottling, allowing the wine to retain its natural character and texture.

The label features the Gemsbok (South African oryx), an animal renowned for its remarkable ability to survive in some of the driest regions on earth, as well as for its long, straight, and sharply defined horns. It serves as a symbolic representation of the wine’s powerful and resilient character. Fermentation takes place over 14 days at lower-than-average temperatures, followed by 16 months of aging in 225-liter French oak barrels to build depth and structure.

Tasting Note

• Shiraz 100%

• The wine displays an intense garnet red color, with aromas of ripe dark berries balanced by naturally fresh acidity, intertwined with notes of white pepper and anise reminiscent of licorice. On the palate, lingering black fruit flavors are layered with hints of mint, while firm yet balanced tannins lead into a long finish accented by nuances of eucalyptus.