From Spain to Stellenbosch - Grenache delivers where Pinot promises

By Jeremy Maarschalk

Tuesday - 22 August 2024

The Waterford Estate Grenache is a striking alternative for Pinot Noir enthusiasts. Its medium-bodied style, combined with intricate flavours of redcurrant, wild strawberry, and a hint of Turkish Delight, makes it a versatile and sophisticated choice for any occasion.

We are proud to be the first to craft a 100% Grenache in the Stellenbosch region, and our efforts have already garnered high praise. Renowned wine critic, Tim Atkin noted, "It's one of those wines that sometimes gets overlooked by visitors to Waterford, this is a Pinot Noir drinker’s style of Grenache. Made in a medium-bodied style, it has nuanced whole bunch notes, goji berry, redcurrant and wild strawberry flavours and a touch of Turkish Delight."

The Waterford Estate Grenache: A new standard in South African winemaking

The diversity of the South African winelands stands as its strength, with diverse terroirs linking stunning regions together, alowing for versitility and creativity to be our guide. On just 50 hectares of land Waterford Estate is able to grow twelve different cultivars embodying this varity andinspiring creativity.

At Waterford Estate we pride ourselves on our innovative spirit and willingness to create something that showcases the diversity of the Helderberg Mountain. The Estate Grenache displays this enduring ethos and is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence in winemaking.

Grenache: A perfect solution for every occasion

Picture this: the summer sun is blazing, and you find yourself craving a glass of wine. You're a devoted red wine enthusiast, but the thought of a heavy, bold red doesn't appeal in the heat. Or perhaps you're at a dinner where a red wine pairing is recommended, but you're in the mood for something lighter and more refreshing. This is where the Estate Single Vineyard Grenache shines.

The varietal originates from Spain and is known by different names, including Garnacha. Grenache is a versatile varietal that is quickly gaining popularity in the Stellenbosch Winelands.

From the roots up: The resilience of Grenache

Grenache is celebrated for its robustness, thriving in the harshest and driest conditions. Its drought-resistant nature allows it to flourish in rocky, arid soils, much like those found in Spain's Priorat region, renowned for its slate soil. This challenging environment showcases the cultivar's resilience and its ability to produce exceptional fruit.

The vines bud earlier and ripen slower than most, resulting in wines with fresher acidity and fine tannins. The thin skins of the larger Grenache berries enable winemakers to craft a lighter, more nuanced style of wine that still showcases complexity and intrigue.

The Estate Grenache is a unique tasting experience, being a Single Vineyard accredited wine it aims to capture the essence of our specific vineyard site, including the sun, the rocky arid soils, and the authentic expression of Stellenbosch Grenache. This single vineyard approach ensures a wine that is both distinctive and reflective of its terroir, with no means of hiding any mistakes the wine must be grown to perfection and crafted with absolute care.

At Waterford Estate, sustainability is not just a practice; it's a philosophy. Our decision to plant Grenache aligns with our commitment to producing quality wine while being mindful of the environment. Grenache's low-maintenance water requirements make it a water-conscious choice, allowing us to produce exceptional wine without imposing a significant impact on the earth.

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