Both a designated coastal wine region and historical centre, the dynamic town of Stellenbosch lies 50km inland of Cape Town in South Africa’s Western Cape province. Three centuries on in time and toil from the first planting of grapevine by Dutch and Huguenot settlers in 1690  — an under-developed plot of land that local farmers had dismissed as vuilplasie (‘dirty little farm’) was gradually converted into a vineyard. Launched with a fledgeling white wine vintage in 1992, the ever-evolving Mulderbosch winery has seen a number of development phases, both in its properties and its wine crafting talent. Star vintner Mike Dubrovnic led the enterprise through a period of expanded profile, and now under Adam Mason’s creative winemaking guidance, it continues to contribute to South Africa’s revival as a reliable source of very affordable, accomplished and terroir-distinctive wines.

This week’s DéClassé featured varietal Rosé is made from the so-called Don of red wine grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon. With distinctively compact blackberries and a thick-skin, Mulderbosch harvests these somewhat earlier than if it were destined to be finished as a full red wine. This particular practice of fashioning Rosé yields naturally higher levels of acidity, minerality, and brightness to the bottled aromas of the fruit. Exploiting a local geographic advantage, their vines are planted in well-drained, valley terrain below the Cape Fold mountain range. The surrounding hills also act as a funnel, directing cooling breezes into the vineyard rows; a critical benefit that counteracts the grape-wilting heat of South African summers.

This impressive 78-hectare farm has come a long way in a quarter century. Along with attaining critical and commercial success, the eco-friendly farming strategies that they’re employing qualify it as Certified Sustainable. Moreover, sections of the property have been dedicated to a conservancy that includes the rehabilitation of wetlands; better ensuring that the biodiversity of indigenous vegetation and wildlife will continue to thrive.

Local rumour has it that, once upon a time, only Mozart was played in the cellar during the cool fermentation processing of the grapes; perhaps imparting some layered finesse and playful sophistication into the developing wine? True or not, a great deal of investment by the vintner has been directed into this attractively priced, and unique bottling – that should translate into you picking up at least 3!

MULDERBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON ROSÉ 2016
VINTAGES – LCBO Product #999821 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 12.95
13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content Descriptor: D

Made in Coastal Region, South Africa
By: Mulderbosch
Release Date: July 22, 2017

Tasting Note
This is a dry, medium-bodied Rosé that’s full of delightful lip-smacking acidity. With cherry, ripe strawberry and pomegranate flavours, serve this well-chilled to preserve its crispness. Substantial on its own as an apéritif or along with summer citrus-laced salads, Thai spring rolls, sushi or an asparagus quiche.