Percheron Old Vine Cinsault

Another wine with remarkable value for money from South Africa. This is made from 40 year old Cinsault vines in the Swartland area of the Western Cape. No irrigation is used on the vineyards and very little crop control is needed due to the age of the vines naturally restricting yield. All grapes are harvested by hand. Cinsault has bewilderingly been overlooked for so long in the Cape but is a grape variety Percheron have been proudly championing for years.

The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall in summer months, tempered by cool afternoon breezes and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and to build up reserves. All grapes are picked by hand at optimal phenolic ripeness, followed by a fermentation using delestage (where the solids are separated from the juice) in which the juice is oxygenated which brings a lower concentration of tannins and a higher concentration of esters, which is a key compound that contributes to the aromatic fruitiness in the wine.

Bright, expressive and gently savoury on the nose. Along with its blushing hue, the palate rewards with fresh pomegranate flavour and acidity with savoury gamey notes. A fresh, elegant style with refreshing acidity and a bright, beating heart of crunchy cherry fruit. The acidity in this wine makes it a perfect choice for spiced dishes, while the fruity qualities pair greatly with duck, pork and beef.