Wines from the Waterkloof Estate emphasise restraint, elegance and a strong mineral character due to the vineyards' exposed position on the upper slopes of the famed Schaapenberg Mountain. High above False Bay the Waterkloof vineyards face directly onto the Atlantic Ocean at the southern limit of the Stellenbosch wine region. This very special site with its strong maritime influence, steep aspect and unique soil profile allows for the production of truly fine wines. The winemaking and viticultural team led by Werner Engelbrecht follow natural winemaking methods with minimal intervention, including the use of open-top fermenters, whole bunch pressing, wild yeast fermentation, extended fermentation periods and extra lees contact to maximise the terroir character. Since the first vintage in 2005 the estate has garnered widespread praise and many awards, producing some of South Africa's best and most sought after Sauvignon and Merlot based wines. Waterkloof has also been at the forefront of innovation producing South Africa's first iconic rosé (Cape Coral).

Seriously Cool Cinsault is crafted from 30 to 35 year old bush-vine vineyards on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. The vineyards are close to the ocean, which ensure a long growing season and allows for ripe fruit with good concentration and a balanced acidity. Production from these grand dames of South African viticultural heritage is a miserly 4 tons/hectare.

Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar, where the bunches are hand-sorted and fermented whole-bunch in large wooden fermenters. Alcoholic fermentation starts spontaneously inside the berry from the naturally occurring yeast. After around 3 days of this intracellular fermentation the grapes are punched down twice daily with feet to ensure that the berries are broken slowly and softly and not over extracted. The wine is kept on the skins for a minimum of 30 days. ‘Powered' through gravity alone, the wine runs down to a tank below. The remaining berries, fall into the basket press where they are gently pressed. The soft pressing and the free-run juice are then placed together in second and third fill 600L French oak barrels to finish malolactic fermentation and the wine is then aged for 8 months. This wine expresses the grapes in their purest form and no fining agents were added. Only sulphur was added and no other additions, such as tartaric acid or enzymes were allowed.

Would pair nicely with duck, pigeon and also a rack of lamb. Lightly chilled it's a great match with a plate of spicy charcuterie.