French Press Shiraz is a playful red from Wim Wagemans at Le Bouc à Trois Pattes. The name and label nod to a hipster friend who is a coffee specialist — though there’s no coffee in the wine itself.
The cuvée is called an “Unwashed Shiraz Blend” because Wim thinks “Shiraz” simply sounds more fun in English. The reality is more complex: it’s a blend of eight grape varieties — Merlot (50%), Syrah (15%), Muscat de Hambourg (15%), with smaller amounts of Terret Bourret, Alicante Bouschet, Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc, Chardonnay, and Grenache Gris.
The result is a deeply coloured, medium-bodied wine with bright fruit and surprising lift. Rich and generous thanks to the Merlot, with spice and freshness from the Syrah, and aromatic edges from the Muscat. Bold, unconventional, and very much in Wim’s style, this is natural wine with personality.
