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.
Blend: 40% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Bordeaux, 1% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Following in the Bordeaux tradition that sees a first wine and a second wine, the Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons 2021 Classique is the proverbial second wine, or in other words, the more affordable choice. The Classique has grown into a brand of its own, especially in the trendy restaurants and wine taverns of South Africa. The blend is 40% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Bordeaux and 1% Malbec, with most of the fruit from Stellenbosch. Merlot is the main building block, and indeed, you get plenty of black cherry and varietal softness. The wine ages in all French oak for 12 months with 20% new oak. With time in the glass, it reveals a sanguine or ferrous quality that adds extra focus to the bouquet. The Classique is the heartbeat of this prestigious estate. This wine makes up 70% of total production, with the remaining 30% divided between the Baroness Nadine Chardonnay and the Baron Edmond.
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.