COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2021
GRAPE
Cinsaut, Cabernet Franc
PRODUCER
Blackwater Wines
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Blackwater Sophie Cinsaut Cabernet Franc 2021 is a red wine from the Western Cape, South Africa. It is a blend of 61% Cinsaut and 39% Cabernet Franc, with the Cabernet Franc sourced from the Helderberg region of Stellenbosch and the Cinsaut from Darling. The wine is named Sophie in honor of winemaker Francois Haasbroek's daughter. Blackwater Wines focuses on minimal intervention winemaking, sourcing fruit from respected vineyards across the Western Cape. This blend is notable for its use of Cabernet Franc in place of Cabernet Sauvignon, a departure from traditional Cape blends, and for combining fruit from distinct Western Cape sub-regions.
ALCOHOL
14.0%
AVG. PRICE
€40
STYLE
Natural
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Named after winemaker's daughter, Sophie.
Fact 02
Potentially the first Cabernet Franc/Cinsaut blend in South Africa.
Fact 03
Cabernet Franc from Helderberg, Stellenbosch.
Fact 04
Cinsaut from old vines in Darling.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Blackwater Sophie Cinsaut Cabernet Franc 2021 is produced using grapes from the Western Cape. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts in small, open-top tubs. The Cinsaut portion undergoes 80% whole-cluster fermentation, while the Cabernet Franc is entirely destemmed. The wine experiences 3-4 weeks of skin contact before being aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new. The vineyards are managed using organic practices, and the grapes are hand-harvested.
