COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2021
GRAPE
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
PRODUCER
Stellenbosch Reserve
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Stellenbosch Reserve is an artisanal project spearheaded by Jean Engelbrecht, the proprietor of the iconic Rust en Vrede Estate. This Bordeaux-style red blend is named in honor of Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape, who founded the historic town of Stellenbosch in 1679 and is celebrated as the founding father of the South African wine industry. Rather than focusing on a single estate, this wine represents a geographic mosaic of the entire Stellenbosch region, sourcing fruit from four distinct microclimates—Polkadraai, Devonvalley, Simonsberg, and Helderberg—to capture the quintessential regional identity.
ALCOHOL
13.9%
AVG. PRICE
€17
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Named in honor of Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape and founder of Stellenbosch in 1679.
Fact 02
Sourced from four distinct microclimates—Polkadraai, Devonvalley, Simonsberg, and Helderberg—to create a geographic mosaic of the region.
Fact 03
The 2021 vintage achieved a highly acclaimed 94-point rating (4.5 stars) in John Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2024.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
Crafted under the direction of Head Winemaker Danielle le Roux, each grape variety and parcel was vinified separately to preserve its unique terroir characteristics. Primary fermentation took place over seven days in open-top stainless-steel fermenters, with punch-downs and pump-overs executed four times daily to manage extraction. Following fermentation, the wine underwent 14 days of extended skin contact (maceration) to optimize color and build a structured, refined tannin profile. The wine was then matured for 12 months in 300-liter French oak barrels before final blending and bottling.
