Cape Town - If chenin’s cracked it, can cinsaut be far behind? As Cape producers and consumers recognise the huge potential of mature bushvine chenin, youthful winemakers are giving cinsaut similar TLC with exciting results.
Cinsaut, dubbed the red Cinderella, occupies just two percent of our vineyard area.
Waterkloof owner Paul Boutinot recognised the potential of grapes from a venerable, organically farmed Helderberg vineyard.
The project, started by former winemaker Werner Engelbrecht and completed by current winemaker Nadia Barnard has produced an impressive maiden cinsaut, using natural fermentation, followed by nine months in second- and third-fill French oak.
While this is a serious wine it is delightfully easy to drink, light and fresh with supple tannins, fruit and plenty of character. Chill it, suggests Boutinout, to 21ºC to pair with spicy fare and to 18ºC to accompany steak.
The Seriously Cool Cinsault 2012 costs R95 ex-cellar. - Weekend Argus