The Producer
Steel Wines is the passion project of Jason Steel — MasterChef South Africa 2013 finalist, former sommelier and front-of-house star at Cape Town’s celebrated Test Kitchen and Foxcroft restaurants, and now a hands-on boutique winemaker. Jason’s journey from plating dishes to pressing grapes is a testament to his deep love of flavour and storytelling. Working with old-vine parcels in Robertson, he crafts tiny-batch wines that are unpretentious, expressive, and unmistakably personal.
Vintage & Terroir
Cinsault is one of South Africa’s heritage grapes — the parent variety of Pinotage and a cornerstone of the Cape’s winemaking history. Jason sources his Cinsault from Robertson, where warm days and the cooling influence of the Breede River Valley produce grapes of vibrant fruit character and natural freshness. The 2023 vintage delivered beautifully ripe, aromatic fruit ideal for this light-footed, elegant style of red.
In the Cellar
True to his minimal-intervention philosophy, Jason handles the Cinsault gently to preserve its inherent freshness and perfume. Light extraction during fermentation keeps the tannins silky and the fruit bright. The wine sees limited time in older oak, adding just a whisper of spice without overshadowing the grape’s natural charm. The result is a Cinsault of purity, vibrancy, and effortless drinkability.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright, translucent ruby — classic Cinsault clarity.
Nose: Fragrant red cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate with floral undertones and a hint of white pepper.
Palate: Light to medium-bodied, bursting with juicy red fruit. Silky tannins and bright acidity give the wine a lively, refreshing character. There’s a lovely purity here — uncomplicated but far from simple.
Finish: Fresh and lifted, with lingering cherry fruit and a savoury, peppery close.
Food Pairing
Cinsault’s light frame and fresh acidity make it a natural partner for charcuterie, roasted chicken, or a classic Caprese salad. It’s also brilliant lightly chilled alongside a summery braai — think sosaties and grilled vegetables. Serve at 14–16°C for the best expression of fruit and perfume.
Technical Details
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Region | Robertson, Western Cape |
| Grape(s) | Cinsault |
| Oak | Limited older oak |
| Closure | Cork |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Case Size | 6 bottles |
Our Guarantee
Every case of Steel Wines Cinsault is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If you’re not completely delighted, get in touch and we’ll make it right — no fuss, no fine print, just great wine and happy customers.
