The Producer
Waterkloof is one of South Africa’s most celebrated biodynamic estates, perched on the windswept Schapenberg above Somerset West. A WWF Biodiversity Champion, the farm is horse-ploughed and regeneratively managed — cover crops, minimal soil disturbance, and deep respect for biodiversity. The Waterkloof Cape Coral Rosé is part of the estate’s Circumstance range, wines shaped entirely by place and season. Mourvèdre, notoriously underrated as a red grape, finds its most elegant expression here in a dry, vivid rosé.
Vintage & Terroir
The 2025 vintage on the Schapenberg was defined by poise and precision. A mild, dry growing season — tempered by Atlantic breezes — delivered slow, even ripening and excellent sugar-acid balance. Lower yields sharpened the focus on quality. Mourvèdre vines grow in sandstone and deep red soils under dryland conditions. Regenerative farming practices have strengthened vine resilience and enhanced the clarity of site expression.
In the Cellar
Waterkloof hand-harvested and hand-sorted the Mourvèdre grapes before gently whole-bunch pressing in a horizontal basket press — no maceration with skins, no extraction enzymes, no settling agents. Juice gravity-fed to tank, settled naturally for 12 hours, then racked to older wooden fermenters for spontaneous wild-yeast fermentation. Slow oxygen ingress through the wood ensures a longer, cooler ferment with zero oak character. Extended primary lees aging before bottling adds further texture and complexity.
Tasting Notes
Light coral pink in the glass. The nose opens with ripe strawberry, pomegranate and dried herbs. On the palate, red berry fruit layers with spice and a gentle earthy note. Textured and bone dry, with a persistent, slightly savoury finish that lingers well beyond the glass.
Food Pairing
Pour alongside Cape-style seafood — think grilled snoek, fresh oysters, or a prawn and waterblommetjie salad. It holds its own against dishes with herbal, earthy undertones: lamb sosaties, vegetable tagine, or a classic niçoise. A wine this dry and textured belongs on a table that means business. Secure your case and keep the Tribe fed.
