2023 Natte Valleij - Coastal Cinsault (750ml)

Natte Valleij is a historic Cape Dutch estate on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg mountain near Stellenbosch, revived in 2005 by third-generation winemaker Alexander Milner after decades of dormancy. Milner has built the estate's reputation on tracking down forgotten parcels of old dryland bush vines scattered across the Cape, with particular devotion to Cinsault, a variety he considers unfairly overshadowed by its offspring, Pinotage. The winery's approach favors minimal intervention, aiming to let each site express itself with little cellar manipulation.

The Coastal Cinsault draws on five separate dryland bush vine parcels spread across the Coastal Region, with vine ages ranging from roughly fourteen to fifty years old. The fruit is fermented naturally with wild yeasts and the finished wine is left unfiltered, a choice that preserves texture and aromatic detail at the cost of a slightly hazier appearance in the glass. The wine is also vegan friendly, made without animal-derived fining agents.

Expect aromas of wild strawberry and earth, with a palate that stays light to medium in body and finishes soft. Dusty rose petal and gentle spice notes add lift, while a thread of mineral tension keeps the wine from feeling simple. Serve it with grilled sausages, roast pork, or a plate of cured meats.