Q&A with Waterford's Mark Le Roux: Get to know the man behind the wine

Monday, 18 April, 2022
Waterford Wine Estate
It's easy to see why Tim Atkin named Mark Le Roux as South Africa’s Young Winemaker of The Year in 2017.

Mark Le Roux, Waterford Wine Estate's winemaker, in the cellar.

Mark Le Roux has been at Waterford Wine Estate since 2009 and has been responsible for the winemaking since 2013. In 2017, Tim Atkin named him South Africa’s Young Winemaker of The Year, and it’s easy to see why.

With an assortment of accolades, including outstanding scores by Tim Atkin, including our flagship Waterford Estate The Jem, and an array of 5 Star Platter awards, our wines have Mark to thank.

Q&A with Waterford's Mark Le Roux

What made you decide to become a winemaker?

I’ve always been curious and fascinated by the way nature has the ability to survive and function. Biology and natural sciences are subjects which I am very fond of. Add this to me enjoying being outdoors and practical, I found myself interested in winemaking. The subject is simple yet so complicated, and it’s this which keeps me stimulated and driven to create “the perfect wine”.

What does your day-to-day look like?

The only consistency in my day when I’m in the cellar, is my early morning coffee. All days lead from the previous day, as nature runs at its own pace. Winemaking is never premeditated; we predict the best we can to make logistical sense, but the most common trait of winemaking is that wines always change their mind (according to those who help).

All wines are individual and need to be treated as such, no two wines, for instance, will extract oak from aging in an oak barrel in the same way. This is due to the make-up of the two wines being so unique. It’s like trying to predict the weather for tomorrow to decide what to wear for the day, but we will only truly know the weather when we actually experience it and therefore adjust last-minute to make the best decision.

How would you describe your winemaking style?

I would characterise my style of winemaking to be unpretentious and authentic. For me, the best interpretation of terroir, which is the expression of vines grown in a very specific place, is shown through wines which aren’t covered by winemaking. Winemaking should merely be a catalyst, involved, but not to interfere or alter the wine of origin. The art comes in with blending, using these individually crafted wines to find balance and expression without losing the identity of the individuals.

What goals in winemaking are you still working to achieve?

I am continuously trying to better my best wine ever made, this will be a continuous journey and hopefully one I can pass on to the next generation at Waterford. In the short-term, my goal is to achieve Waterford Estate’s first 100 point scoring wine.

Which wine best expresses the true essence of the terroir at Waterford Estate?

This is most certainly the Cabernet Sauvignon. Waterford Estate is located in Stellenbosch, the heart of the South African wine region, and the most famous area for red wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon being the flag bearer for obvious reasons - warm summer days with cool evenings due to the close proximity to the ocean. Even on Waterford, 120 hectares, the 16 different Cabernet vineyards all express uniqueness, where vineyards next to each other on similar soils will be similar in wine expression.

Where do you see Waterford in 5-10 years?

Waterford was started on a solid foundation with core wine values leading the business. This month, Waterford is 24 years old with good experience and vintages to learn from.

Within the next 5-10 years, I see some of the most exciting times at Waterford. I believe Waterford has great vineyards in special soils and they are of good age. We have made mistakes and learnt from them, so going forward I feel we can have truly great wines that showcase the diversity of our property and South Africa. Exceptional wines, characterful wines, and wines that can be enjoyed.

What makes the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage special?

I will always remember the 2013 vintage as quite a milestone for me, it was my first vintage as head winemaker at Waterford Estate. It was also the year that a great friend of mine, David, became a colleague by joining as Waterford’s viticulturist.

A few hurdles in the vintage with winds having swept through the valley and late season rains added some challenges. Being on high alert, I feel that I overcame many of the challenges. The whites were, to this day, some of my favourites, the reds benefited from a lower yield due to the wind and lovely soft concentration from the long cool season. It’s such an incredible concept that we can relive these early days through a bottle of wine.

Experience the special 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading varietal on Waterford Estate, thanks to the optimal terroir found on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain.

The 2013 vintage expresses softer, yet more concentrated aromas of dark fruit, pencil shavings and earthy tones. The wine is classically driven by tight and dry structure allowing for good ageing potential of at least 8 to 13 years.

Order Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 online (limited stock available): waterfordestate.co.za.