Project Z Cinsault

Beef, Lamb, Game (deer, venison), Mushrooms

The grapes for Project Z Cinsault were sourced from Stellenbosch bushvines planted in 1994. Growing in deep, red, clay and iron-rich soils, the vineyard sits atop a hillside on the western side of Stellenbosch. With an unobstructed view of Table Mountain and subjected to maritime airflow off the Atlantic Ocean, the vineyard was selected for its ability to grow grapes offering a superior expression of the site’s unique geography.

Thus, one 500L Amphora was filled with the wine and allowed to age separately. After 3 Months aged in Italian Terracotta amphora, the wine was bottled, and bottle aged for another 15 months before release. Only 500L produced, the wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.

The grapes were originally harvested for Rosé, where the pink juice was bled off, Saignee style. The remaining (concentrated) Cinsault skins and juice, was fermented according to our usual red wine making regime. This resulted in a highly perfumed and structured Cinsault, and upon completion of alcoholic fermentation it was clear that this wine unlike any other Cinsault we had ever produced.

Kleine Zalze wines are marked by a classical structure and complexity matched by a vibrant flavour intensity. Discernibly South African in style, they are refreshing, beautifully balanced and well-suited to food. Our wines are made according to traditional methods with minimal cellar intervention, but supported by modern equipment.