Winemaker Notes
A wine that brings people together, this widely sought-after red blend matches distinctive quality — an ability to consistently delight — with an alluring openness. It invites you in, uplifts, welcomes with charm and composure.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made from a blend of 41% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, the 2020 Classique is fresh, with a soft and silky earthiness that glides with a fresh and ripe fruit essence. Medium to full-bodied, the Classique rides the line between the New World ripeness of fruit and Old World rusticity with velvety tannins and notions of turned earth. The palate is complex and overdelivers for the price. Where else can you find a red blend under $20.00 that delivers this well? Buy the entire case if you can find it!
Rating: 90+
At the foot of the spectacular Simonsberg mountain in the Franschhoek valley lies the historic French Huguenot farm Fredericksburg, established in 1690 and now home to Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons. It was in this valley that the early French Huguenots first discovered a terroir similar to that of certain winegrowing regions in France, over 300 years ago. Hence, their decision to settle and cultivate vineyards here.
In addition to the Rupert and Rothschild families striving to produce world-class wines, they are deeply committed to the preservation and conservation of the environment. The cellar is no exception when it comes to the philosophy of its owners: here, preservation and conservation are applied throughout thanks to the use of both traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
To produce the finest quality wine, meticulous attention is given to vineyard and cellar practices. Preserving the grapes at their optimal state prior to initiating the winemaking process is truly one of the great secrets of producing wine. At Rupert & Rothschild the bunches are carefully harvested by hand and intervention during the winemaking process is kept to a minimum.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Originally named Franschhoek meaning the “French Corner” because it was home to the influx of French Huguenots, today the valley contains many historic cellars and is an important tourist location because of its proximity to Cape Town.
This valley falls to the southeast of Paarl and is enclosed on three sides by towering mountains. Streams from the slopes flow down to the valley floor, converging to form the Berg River. The area excels in the production of full-bodied reds.