Grenache

Grenache’s versatility is a key factor in its popularity, appeasing all palates no matter the season. This wine excels in its ability to pair well with a wide variety of dishes, including roasted meats, fragrant stews, and Asian flavours, showcasing its exceptional complexity and impressive capacity to harmonise with these intricate and rich tastes.

The single vineyard is planted on the rockiest sandstone slopes at Waterford Estate. This location is the most arid and warm site on the farm, making it ideal for Grenache. The 2022 vintage was drier than what had been experienced in the last three years, and the warmer temperatures also contributed to further drying of the vines. This dryness resulted in significant concentration in the wines, as the grapes lost a considerable amount of moisture due to the heat. Additionally, the higher temperatures promoted ripeness and contributed to the structure that will be evident in the wines.

Aged in 30% porcelain jars, 25% Foudre, and 45% old (10 years plus) 500L French oak barrels for 14 months.

The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed but not crushed, and approximately 4% of the bunches are left whole. These whole berries and bunches are then placed in fermentation vessels and allowed to ferment for approximately 18 days. After fermentation, the grapes are pressed, and the wine is transferred to old 500L French oak barrels and porcelain jars for malolactic fermentation and ageing.

Waterford Estate is situated in the Blaauwklippen Valley on the rolling slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in the well-known Stellenbosch region. Waterford Estate prides themselves in making Fine Wine from carefully selected grapes. Winemaker, Mark Le Roux and viticulturist, David van Schalkwyk both believe a Fine Wine displays the character of its cultivar and a true sense of place. A Fine Wine should reflect the length on the palate, has a complexity of flavours, internal harmony between aromatics and the palate, and balance between its essential components.