Natte Valleij Cinsault 2017
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The historic farm of Natte Valleij set on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg mountains, is within easy reach of Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franchhoek and Cape Town (35 mins). Natte Valleij oozes a sense of history with its homestead, old wine cellars, retired brandy stills, magnificent mature gardens with ancient trees, pergolas and ponds that all are surrounded by whitewashed walls.
Owned by the Milner Family, the farm was granted in 1715 to an ex soldier Jurgiaan Hanekom from Germany. In 1770 Natte Valleij became the property of the de Villiers family it was during their ownership that the main homestead was build in 1775 it was a classic “H” shape design with a florid gable. In 1839 the house was obtained by Adriaan Jacobus van der Bijl and later that year was partially destroyed by a fire. In 1840 he restored the damaged woodwork and replaced the gable with one of a neo-classical design dated 1840, which can be seen today.
A charmer in the Southern Rhône Valley, Cinsault thrives in any hot and windy climate, and finds success in many other countries. It is a parent grape alongside Pinot Noir, of South Africa’s acclaimed red grape, Pinotage. Somm Secret—Given its relatively long history in California, Cinsualt is often “hidden” in the Zinfandel blends of Sonoma and Contra Costa Counties. Historically planted alongside Zinfandel (with Petite Sirah and Mourvedre) in the same vineyard, Cinsault is now an essential part of many “field blends.”
With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in South Africa. The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the “New World.” In the mid-17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Since then, the South African wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century.
Today, however, South Africa is increasingly responsible for high-demand, high-quality wines—a blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. Wine production is mainly situated around Cape Town, where the climate is generally warm to hot. But the Benguela Current from Antarctica provides brisk ocean breezes necessary for steady ripening of grapes. Similarly, cooler, high-elevation vineyard sites throughout South Africa offer similar, favorable growing conditions.
South Africa’s wine zones are divided into region, then smaller districts and finally wards, but the country’s wine styles are differentiated more by grape variety than by region. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is the country’s “signature” grape, responsible for red-fruit-driven, spicy, earthy reds. When Pinotage is blended with other red varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Pinot Noir (all commonly vinified alone as well), it is often labeled as a “Cape Blend.” Chenin Blanc (locally known as “Steen”) dominates white wine production, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc following close behind.