Cabernet Sauvignon (2023) - Reyneke

In the heart of Stellenbosch, one of South Africa's most prestigious wine regions, the Reyneke winery stands out not only for the quality of its wines but also for its pioneering approach to biodynamic viticulture. Johan Reyneke, the visionary founder, has turned his estate into a model of sustainability, embracing farming practices that respect the land and the ecosystem. One fascinating detail is that Reyneke was the first winery in South Africa to obtain biodynamic certification, an achievement that has inspired many other producers in the region. Their dedication to nature shows in every bottle, making their Cabernet Sauvignon not just a w

Cabernet Sauvignon (2023) - Reyneke

Cabernet Sauvignon (2023) - Reyneke

Type: Red Wine

Area: South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch

Appellation: WO Stellenbosch

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2023

Winery: Reyneke

Alcohol: 14%

The appellation: WO Stellenbosch

WO Stellenbosch (Wine of Origin Stellenbosch) is one of the most prestigious wine regions in South Africa, in the Western Cape province, east of Cape Town. This appellation is part of the Wine of Origin (WO) system, which regulates and guarantees the authenticity and quality of South African wines, similar to the French AOCs or the Italian DOCs. Stellenbosch is the heart of South African wine production and is home to some of the country’s most renowned wineries. The Mediterranean climate with an oceanic influence, combined with diverse soils and varying altitudes, makes it possible to obtain structured, complex, long-lived wines, both red and white.

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What to eat with Cabernet Sauvignon

Who makes it: Reyneke

Reyneke is a prestigious winery in the splendid region of the Polkadraai Hills, at Stellenbosch, in South Africa. This estate is known for its commitment to making organic, sustainable wines that reflect the authenticity of the South African land. Reyneke stands out for its philosophy of natural winemaking, which aims to preserve the integrity of the grapes and the unique character of the wines. The winery is set in a breathtaking landscape, where the climate and the favourable soil help create high-quality wines. Reyneke makes a range of wines, from fresh, aromatic whites to structured, complex reds, all marked by an extraordinary balance and a deep expression of terroir. The South African wine appellations, of which Reyneke is part, are renowned for their diversity and richness.

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The vine of Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous and widely planted black grape varieties in the world, prized for its ability to produce elegant, structured and long-lived wines. Native to France, and in particular to the Bordeaux region, it is now grown in almost every wine-producing country, adapting to different climates and terroirs. With its distinctive aromatic profile and its versatility, Cabernet Sauvignon is considered the "king" of red varieties.

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Cabernet Sauvignon: the Stellenbosch area

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the most prestigious wine region in South Africa, about 50 km from Cape Town, in the Western Cape province. Known as the cradle of the South African wine industry, Stellenbosch is renowned for its structured Cabernet Sauvignon, elegant Bordeaux Blends and refined Chardonnay. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the ocean breeze from False Bay and soils rich in clay, granite and sandstone, the wines of Stellenbosch are marked by great structure, freshness and ageing capacity.

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Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Clay

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Cabernet Sauvignon

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Berries

Secondary aromas: Wood, Spices

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: An elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of ripe red fruit and a touch of spice. Well-integrated tannins and a long finish.

Sulphitesyes
BodyFull-bodied
AcidityMedium-high
TanninMedium-high
SweetnessDry
FinishLong
ColourRuby red
ClarityClear

Winemaking methods used for Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts

Alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts is a winemaking technique that brings out the authenticity of a place and the natural expression of the grape. In this process the must ferments thanks to the wild yeasts present on the grape skins and in the cellar environment, with no cultured yeasts added. It reflects a craft, sustainable philosophy aimed at highlighting the unique character of the terroir.

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Ageing methods used for Cabernet Sauvignon

In barrique

Ageing in barrique is one of the noblest and most fascinating techniques in winemaking, chosen to give the wine complexity, structure, elegance and potential to develop. The barrique is a small wooden cask, usually of French or American oak, with a capacity of around 225 litres. Thanks to its small size and the direct contact between wine and wood, this kind of ageing allows constant micro-oxygenation and a measured contribution of tertiary aromas, helping to develop toasty, spicy, vanilla or balsamic aromas, and to polish the tannins in reds.

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Time on the lees for Cabernet Sauvignon

  • No contact with the lees