Welgegund Heritage Wines Old Vine Cinsault 2019, made from 48-year- old dryland bush vines, was honoured with a Gold medal (95 points) at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).
“This international acclaim from one of the world’s largest and most influential wine competitions for our Old Vine Cinsault is testament to the unique character of the fruit borne by our magnificent ancient Cinsault vines, certified a Heritage Vineyard by the Old Vine Project,” says Welgegund winemaker Friedrich Kühne.
“This latest award for our Cinsault is one of a series of accolades received since our maiden 2017 launch, highlighting the special quality of the fruit offered by the Cape’s old vines, a national treasure passionately preserved and protected by the Old Vine Project. It is gratifying to see South Africa’s old vines excelling internationally, as they are arguably the Cape’s greatest vinous offering to the world of wine.”
“Older vines bring a special dimension to wine. One is drinking a glass of history when you explore the distinctive delights of our Old Vine Cinsault, reflecting the depth of character developed during decades of struggle, and an authentic sense of place. Discover the flavour intensity, the freshness and textural complexity unveiled by the wine’s old vine legacy and savour the bright fruit notes of blackcurrant, raspberry and sour cherry, the elegance and the velvety tannins.”
Friedrich concludes, “Welgegund, meaning ‘well-bestowed’, is the perfect name for our 18th century heritage estate nestled at the foot of the magnificent Hawequa mountains in Wellington, blessed with natural beauty, a unique fingerprint of terroir and climate, heritage buildings and ancient vineyards. ‘Well-bestowed’ however takes on a whole new meaning when our climate and terroir come together perfectly to produce an exceptional wine.”
WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES OLD VINE CINSAULT 2019
WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
In the Vineyard and the Cellar: 2019 was an exemplary vintage at Welgegund. We were fortunate to work with extremely low yields of small berries from our ancient low-yielding single bush vine Cinsault vineyard planted in 1974, bringing intensity to the wines, with a wealth of fruit, richness, texture and depth of flavour. In the cellar we practice minimal intervention and gentle handling to allow vintage, vineyard and terroir expression, to let the grapes speak for themselves. One third of the wine was aged in 2nd fill lightly toasted 500L oak barrels for 14 months and the balance was unoaked, to retain the fresh fruity character of the grapes.
Serving Suggestions: Serve a touch cooler than your usual red wines and enjoy with a beef fillet or game with cranberry sauce, seared tuna or a mushroom risotto and end the meal with a raspberry crème brûlée.
Limited release: Only 2230 individually numbered bottles have been produced.
Welgegund Heritage Wines Cinsault 2019 Awards:
- Gold Medal (95 points) at the DWWA 2022 Awards
- Gold Medal at the 2020 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards
- 4½ stars (93 points) in Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 91 points in Tim Atkin’s 2020 SA Report
- Silver Medal (91 points) at the 2020 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge
- Silver Medal (91 points) at the 2020 International Wine Challenge
Distinctive packaging: The stature of the Welgegund Cinsault is creatively reflected in the elegant yet compelling packaging – bold numbered imported bottles, with simple wrap-round labels, crowned with a gorgeous vivid crimson wax seal.
Purchase: Welgegund Heritage Wines Cinsault 2019 is only available from the estate and Welgegund’s online shop for R375 per bottle (VAT inclusive). To shop go to https://welgegund.co.za/wines/
A VISIT TO WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES
A visit to Welgegund, a hidden treasure off the beaten track at the end of an oak-lined cul-de-sac in Wellington, offers an authentic wine and olive oil tasting experience.
Welgegund Wine Farm, 119 Berg Street, Wellington, South Africa
Open by appointment only
Tel: 082 494 1265 · Email: emathews@welgegund.co.za
Website: https://welgegund.co.za/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welgegundwines/
Twitter: @WelgegundWines
Instagram: @Welgegund_wines
#WelgegundWines
