Waterkloof, recognised for its naturally made wines, has released the 2015 vintage from its Seriously Cool duo – an exquisitely balanced Chenin Blanc and Cinsault.
Both wines hail exclusively from some of the oldest bush vines in the Helderberg ward, which is the coolest, most coastal sub-region of Stellenbosch. These deep-rooted vines, aged between 26 and 61 years old, give up low yields of concentrated grapes, transforming what many perceive to be South Africa’s workhorse grape varieties into two quite special wines. Here we have a Chenin and Cinsault that demand serious attention and are at their best served not warm, nor freezing cold, but cool.
“Fanned by False Bay breezes, these cool pockets of old, low-yielding vineyards allow for slower ripening periods for the grapes to develop complex flavours, finesse and fresh natural acidity. Our Seriously Cool duo is proof of the potential of unadulterated, old-vine Chenin Blanc and Cinsault in South Africa,” shares young Waterkloof Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard.
“We’re so pleased to see that three vintages on from the wine’s inaugural release, there is now a momentum building behind the revival of Cinsault as a 100% varietal wine in South Africa. Meanwhile the Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc 2015 is testament to the true quality that can be achieved from this Cape workhorse using old vines, planted in appropriate areas and unencumbered by over-oaking and additions of acid in the cellar,” says Nadia.
Seriously Cool Cinsault 2015
The Seriously Cool Cinsault 2015 stems from vineyards with an average age of 45 years. The grapes underwent spontaneous whole-bunch fermentation in open top wooden fermenters, with traditional punch downs with the feet to slowly and softly extract the tannins. It then stayed on the skins for 30 days before being gently pressed.
This medium-bodied, yet serious red then spent nine months in 600-litre French oak barrels to develop its soft, supple tannins and elegant aromas. The large barrels were all 3rd and 4th fill, so as to avoid masking the inherent qualities of the vineyard with the character of newly toasted oak and its associated flavours. No additions were made other than a small dose of sulphur as a preservative.
With its pale violet hue and refreshingly low alcohol, the 2015 vintage allures with a complex and fragrant bouquet, dainty tannins, good length and a well-balanced finish.
“This is not a run-of-the-mill Cinsault; it is a serious wine that’s delightfully easy to drink. It works brilliantly with duck, charcuterie and even barbecued meats and can be enjoyed at 21°C or chilled down to 17°C depending on the weather, the food you’re eating and the mood you’re in,” adds Nadia.
Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc 2015
This dry, textural and unwooded white stems from dry-farmed bush vines with an average age of 33 years. The grapes were delicately whole-bunch pressed and underwent spontaneous fermentation in old, neutral 600litre barrels. The natural yeast ferment took four months to complete and the wine then spent a further five months on the primary lees before being bottled. No additions were made other than a small dose of sulphur as a preservative.
“We refer to this wine as unwooded, as although it spent 9 months in barrels, those barrels were old and therefore imparted no oak flavour. The barrel is merely a container to allow gentle oxygenation and good lees contact, giving the finished wine more texture, length and the ability to handle and improve with oxygen once the wine is in the bottle and in your glass. We recommend decanting all Waterkloof wines, whether white, rosé or red,” shares Nadia.
Seriously Cool Chenin displays aromas of ripe white peach and crunchy yellow apples. The palate shows great focus with pure fruit, crisp acidity and great length. Enjoy it with anything from a salad to a classic fresh seafood dish and even creamy Thai fish or chicken curry.
The Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc 2015 retails at R95 per bottle and the Seriously Cool Cinsault 2015 at R120 per bottle. Both wines are available directly from Waterkloof’s tasting lounge and selected wine boutiques and restaurants countrywide.
For more information or wine orders contact Waterkloof Estate at Tel: 021 858 1292 or visit www.waterkloofwines.co.za.