Now into its fourth vintage, the Waterford Grenache proves that you don't have to be based in Piekenierskloof to make great examples of the southern Rhône's best grape.
Tim Atkin MW
Single Vineyard Grenache Noir, Waterford Estate
Planted on the rockiest sandstone slopes of Waterford Estate in 2005, for the first 10 years the grapes from this vineyard were solely used to produce the Blanc de Noir.
Pristine red cherry and exotic fruits with touches of earthy clove spice. The palate has earthy, savoury flavours along with delicate dry tannins and a soft freshness to carry the fruit.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
14.0 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
1.6 g/L
pH
3.65
ACIDITY
3.9 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Mark le Roux
VARIETY
Grenache
TIME IN OAK
14 months.
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Stellenbosch
VEGETARIAN
Yes
VEGAN
Yes
Vintage conditions
Another year of severe drought conditions, low winter rainfall and the occasional warm days during winter. Once the season got going, moderate to cool and windless conditions were perfect for flowering and fruit set leading to high crop potentials. From November onwards, warm burg wind conditions were experienced throughout creating stressful ripening conditions, but with early picking dates, lower alcohol wines with good freshness were made.
Vinification details
The wine is aged in roughly 30% Percaline jars, as well as large 500L old French oak barrels for a period of 14 months.
Awards
Tim Atkin MW: 94 pts
Vinous: 92 pts
Green credentials
A World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion and accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate, Waterford also has Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) accreditation and is a member of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative (BWI).
Tasting video
With winemaker Mark Le Roux.
Contact us to discuss
... this is the best single varietal release (of Grenache) yet from Mark Le Roux ...
Tim Atkin MWSingle Vineyard Grenache Noir, Waterford Estate
Planted on the rockiest sandstone slopes of Waterford Estate in 2005, for the first 10 years the grapes from this vineyard were solely used to produce the Blanc de Noir.
Pristine red cherry and exotic fruits with touches of earthy clove spice. The palate has earthy, savoury flavours along with delicate dry tannins and a soft freshness to carry the fruit.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
14.0 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
1.0 g/L
pH
3.67
ACIDITY
4.2 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Mark Le Roux
VARIETY
Grenache
TIME IN OAK
14 months
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Stellenbosch
VEGETARIAN
Yes
VEGAN
Yes
Vintage conditions
2017 has been noted as one of the great vintage years in Stellenbosch. Drought conditions prevailed, but temperatures remained moderate-to-cool throughout the season, which resulted in optimal maturation of fruit, but no signs of warmth in the wines. The wines are extremely classical in style, showing tension in the firm and concentrated tannin structures. The cooler conditions also brought about great freshness and purity within the wines.
Vinification details
The wine is aged in roughly 30% Percaline jars, as well as large 500L old French oak barrels for a period of 14 months.
Awards
Tim Atkin MW: 94 pts
Green credentials
A World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion and accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate, Waterford also has Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) accreditation and is a member of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative (BWI).
Tasting video
With winemaker Mark Le Roux.
Contact us to discuss