Rall Cinsault '21

One of the most influential and important winemakers in South Africa, Donovan Rall has produced exceptional wine since his first vintage of Rall Wines in 2008. Following an education in viticulture and oenology, extensive travels and harvests eventually brought him back to the Swartland, where he found his inspiration for Mediterranean varieties, and the dream of making unique and naturally styled wines under his own label from scattered old vineyards. Working closely with growers in the Swartland and in Stellenbosch to secure the best possible fruit at the optimal ripeness and balance, the vineyards are selected on the basis of soil type and age of the vines. Currently, the fruit for the Rall range is sourced from ten different vineyards, primarily from Swartland. The hands-off winemaking technique that follows is only possible if the vines are low yielding and the growth is in balance. Donovan has always produced small quantities by hand from the most unique and oldest sites he could find. The winemaking is simple, with each parcel allowed to ferment and mature naturally in order to reflect the character of each vineyard.

Cinsault is a variety that has long been added to blends, lending not only a very elegant profile but also a bright acidity that enhances ageability. These characteristics are in part what inspired Donovan Rall to begin focusing on the variety, who began to not only include it in his blends but also produce wines entirely from Cinsault, like this one. The fruit comes from old vines in two regions, Darling and Swartland. This Cinsault was whole-bunch fermented with natural yeasts and aged in old oak casks for a little over six months. 

The wine shows a beautiful bouquet of mixed berries, supple tannins, and a spicy finish. Donvan’s wines are favorites from South Africa, and year after year these wines overperform yet remain incredible values.