Waterkloof Circumstance Cabernet Franc

The Waterkloof vineyard in the Helderberg region of Stellenbosch in South Africa. Here the temperatures are on the cooler side, so it is ideal for growing Cabernet Franc grapes, the daddy of the Cabernet family.

The vineyard is completely biodynamic and organic, not using any chemical products in the wine making process. This wine has the typical aromas of Cabernet Franc, including a distinctive leafiness mixed in with pronounced red fruit. The tannins are weightless, the texture silky and the finish memorable.

Distinctive Cabernet Franc, classy and structured with the combination of fine black fruits, spice and dried herbs typical of the grape.

Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including soil, aspect, altitude and vintage.

The Cabernet Franc is from two adjoining, windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) blocks 240-60m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar by horses for hand-sorting. De-stemming and sorting take place and fermentation happens spontaneously with wild yeast in large, open-top wooden fermenters. Manual punch-downs or foot-pressing pigeage take place 1-2 times per day and the wine is left on skins for 35 days before going through malolactic fermentation in mainly old barriques then ageing for 23 months in the same vessels.

No fining, just a light filtration. No additons other than sulphur. Vegan friendly, biodynamic wine