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Blackwater “Sophie”, 2020

Blackwater “Sophie”, 2020

Cabernet Franc, Cinsaut

$35.00 Special Pricing

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All orders need to be picked up in Greendale, Wisconsin.
We do not ship.

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‘Sophie’ is a new addition to the stable. She is named after Francois’ daughter born in 2020, joining her older brother ‘Daniel’ in the family lineup. ‘Sophie’ is a reinvention on a Cape classic which traditionally involved Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsaut; Francois’ preference for Cabernet Franc as a more vivid and brighter wine led to this blend. The Cabernet Franc hails from southern Stellenbosch, receiving those very helpful False Bay breezes. The Cinsaut comes from Darling, which is a district almost entirely surrounded by the Swartland, a bit west of Malmesbury. It’s a much warmer and drier climate here, bringing deep, ripe red fruit flavors to the blend. ‘Sophie’ has already earned acclaim on its maiden release, earning 5 stars from Platter’s Wine Guide.

The grapes were both hand harvested. The Cabernet Franc was entirely destemmed, while up to 70% of the Cinsaut batches were fermented whole-cluster. After 18-26 days on the skins depending on the lot, the batches were pressed to two 50% new 300L French oak barrels for 18 months of maturation. It was bottled with just a dash of sulfur (50 ppm). No fining or filtering." - Vine Street

  • Grapes: 50% Cabernet Franc - 50% Cinsaut
  • Vineyard: Southern Stellenbosch (Cabernet Franc) - Darling (Cinsaut)
  • Vine Age: Both 18-years-old
  • Soil Type: Various - mostly granite, shale and sandstone-based soils
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Native – stainless-steel (100% de-stemmed Cabernet Franc - up to 70% whole-cluster Cinsaut)
  • Skin Contact: 18-26 days
  • Aging: 18 months in 50% new 300L French oak