Wine Composition

100% Cinsault

Winemakers Comments

Fragrant potpourri is followed by polished red fruit. Pomegranate and cranberry dominate, layered with aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon. Fine, velvety tannins are balanced by zippy acidity. Floral and fruity flavours follow through from the nose, with spicy, savoury black pepper adding interest to the juicy palate. Bright pomegranate and pepper on the finish.

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage 

12.77%

TA

5.3 g/l

pH

3.43

RS

1.3 g/l 

Vinification

Cinsault grapes were fermented in open top fermenters with 25% of the grapes left as whole bunches, and 75% destemmed and left as whole berry. The grapes were not crushed in order to capture fruit purity and varietal definition. Fermentation and maceration took place over a period of 7 days before pressing. Maturation took place in seasoned 500L French oak barrels for 12 months

Winemaker

Jean Engelbrecht and Roelof Lotrie

Winery

First conceived in 2005, the wine evolved from a single Bordeaux-style blend, to a range that reflects the Stellenbosch viticultural landscape. The Stellenbosch Reserve now encompasses seven wines, red and white, focussing on the classic Stellenbosch varieties of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines, like the place, capture that beautiful balance between accessibility and seriousness.