Rall Cinsault Méthode Ancestrale '22

Rall Wines is one of the most important modern estates in South Africa, led by Donovan Rall, who has been producing exceptional wines since the label’s first vintage in 2008. After studying viticulture and oenology and working multiple harvests abroad, Donovan returned home with a clear focus: to capture the character of the Cape through old vines and site-specific sourcing, working closely with growers in the Swartland (and beyond) to secure fruit at the ideal point of ripeness and balance.

The 2022 Rall Cinsault Méthode Ancestrale is a pét-nat (a.k.a pétillant naturel) made from the same Swartland bushvine Cinsault used for his still wine. The fruit is picked early, whole-bunch pressed, then bottled while primary fermentation is still underway to build pressure naturally in bottle—bringing it closer to the feel and shape of more traditionally styled sparkling wines, but with the immediacy and energy of ancestrale. It rests on its lees for about a year, then is riddled by hand and disgorged ahead of release, keeping the wine bright, clean, and precise. Chill it well and pair it with fried chicken or crudo/sashimi—this is sparkling Cinsault at its most refreshing and dangerously drinkable.