Yo El Rey, Syrah + Grenache 2019

The Yo El Rey Syrah+Grenache 2019 is a blend of 60% Syrah (from Stellenbosch, Elsenburg) and 40% Grenache Noir (from Bot River). The Syrah is conventionally farmed, but outrageously healthy and more concentrated than the 2018 fruit. The Grenache Noir block is organically farmed, and delivered just pristine fruit. With both the varieties, winemaker Angelo van Dyk ran a few fermentations with varying whole bunch components to add different complexities and layers to the wine. Everything was spontaneously fermented. It was then pressed to old 225l and 300l barrels and aged for about 11 months before a fining, rough filtration and bottling in February. The total production is only 2700 bottles.

Yo El Rey Wines was founded in 2017. Owner/winemaker Angelo van Dyk was born and raised in South Africa, and his move to London was rooted in wanting to expose himself to the exciting wine scene in the U.K. What was meant to be a year's hiatus snowballed into seven during which Angelo met some incredible people and saw some amazing places. Without all of this, Yo El Rey would not exist. 

Yo El Rey means "I, the King", and was inspired by a young Pablo Picasso who signed an early self-portrait with this tagline. It's become a mantra that has propelled this dream to make wine. It's a reminder to always believe in both yourself and your dreams, and to never, ever give up on the journey.

Angelo's hope is that these wines are first and foremost approachable and delicious, and leave the drinker filled with a sense of freedom. These wines are for people like you and me, people who dare to dream and adventure, and who live lives that are truly free. They are made to celebrate your journey, and the road you are travelling.

​Yo El Rey wines are produced in Stellenbosch. The winery doesn't own a vineyard, and so sources grapes from farmers around the Cape wine lands who take pride in the fruit that they produce.