Waterkloof Seriously Cool Cinsault 2023

You don't often see Cinsault as a varietal wine. We mainly know him from the blend in the Southern Rhône in France. Waterkloof dares to only put this grape from 35 years of organically grown old bush vines in the bottle. “cool” to enjoy it at a lower temperature (around 14°C) and because it comes from the cooler slopes. “serious” because of its well-structured length. Playful in its aromas with lots of red berries, pronounced flowers. In the mouth, the prominent fruit aromas are supplemented with soft tannins and fresh acidity that provide some tension. This wine can be enjoyed on its own, but also goes well with Peking Duck or Chinese Pork Belly.

In 1993, owner Paul Boutinot began his search for a vineyard with a clear "terroir" signature. The Côte d'Or, Chablis, Paulliac, Barolo, were not eligible due to their price. So he had to find a new classic. It took ten year to limit the search to a small area on the southern and cool slopes of the Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay in the Cape. Waterkloof was born and the hard work began only in 2005.

From the outset it was decided that the other half of the farm should be reserved to preserve the rare and abundant natural vegetation, fauna and flora (fynbos) on the site. As a logical consequence of these efforts, it was decided in 2008 to start converting Waterkloof into a fully-fledged farm with integrated organic and biodynamic agriculture. Demeter certified today as well as one of the first wine estates in South Africa to receive WWF Biodiversity and Wine Initiative Champion status.

Waterkloof has an entire zoo working on the vines and the green team consists of horses used instead of tractors for ploughing, composting, spraying and harvesting. Cattle provide manure for biodynamic preparations and compost. Sheep graze in the vineyards, eating weeds and enriching the soil with nitrogen and potassium from their manure. Chickens roam freely among the vines, eat weevils and lay fresh eggs for use in the luxurious restaurant of the fully regenerative estate.

Finally, in 2009, a state-of-the-art gravity cellar, tasting room and restaurant was built on the Schapenberg and Waterkloof began exporting its unique wines around the world. Waterkloof is today the reference for South African wines with a European touch. Their brands such as False Bay, Peacock Wild Ferment and Circle of life are now guarantees of top quality and unique in their kind!