Cinsault is often seen as a workhorse grape in South Africa, but single vineyard, granite-soiled, maritime Cinsault is a very different beast. From a dry-farmed vineyard Bernhard's uncle planted in 1988, Heldervallei combines tense red berry fruit with silky, concentrated blackcurrant and red plum, and a twist of tarragon on the finish.
Region:
Coastal Region
Appellation:
Stellenbosch
Variety / Blend:
Cinsault:
Climate:
Maritime
Soils:
Decomposed quart-rich granite and shallow clay
Farming:
Practicing organic
Altitude:
Fermentation:
30% wholecluster, 70% destemmed in open top neutral oak barrels
Ageing:
10 months on fine lees in old 400 and 225 litre oak barrels