A.A. Badenhorst Ramnasgras Cinsault 2021

Once a cornerstone of the South African wine scene, Hermitage, also known as Cinsault, has seen its prominence dwindle over recent decades, overshadowed by the allure of fashionable varieties like Shiraz. However, in select years like 2020, this vineyard's yield merits a solo bottling. The wine it produces is characterized by a vibrant red fruit profile, a hint of terroir-driven earthiness, and an inviting spiciness. Its palate charms with a clear expression of fruit, supported by a balanced acidity and soft tannins.

In the vineyard, each grape is carefully selected and gathered into small crates, which are then transported to a chilled container to rest overnight. The cooling process preserves the fruit's integrity. The grapes, still in whole bunches, undergo fermentation in seasoned wooden vats, receiving a single pump-over each day. As fermentation nears its end, the grapes are pressed, and the emerging wine is transferred to a large foudre, where it matures for a year. This wine's journey from vine to bottle concludes without separation from its gross lees.