The Blacksmith Wines Barebones Cinsault 2020
| Vintner | The Blacksmith Wines |
|---|---|
| Variety | |
| Origin | Paarl, South Africa |
| Wine Maker | Tremayne Smith |
| Vintage | 2020 |
About The Wine Maker
Tremayne Smith represents a new generation of winemaker in South Africa – firmly rooted in the terroir and potential of South Africa, but with a global prospective and experience to take the industry to the next level. While studying to become a chef, Tremayne shifted gears and enrolled at Elsenburg, South Africa’s prestigious agricultural college, to pursue winemaking. After stints with Sijnn and Mullineux, as well as numerous internships abroad, Tremayne became the head winemaker at Fable Mountain Vineyards. In 2014, he founded his own personal label, The Blacksmith. The Blacksmith focuses heavily on Rhône varietals, which thrive in the heat of the Western Cape. Tremayne works closely with farmers in the more remote corners, often sourcing fruit from very old, low-yielding vineyards. In the cellar, the wines are fermented with native yeast and very little sulphur is added, so that the parcels speak rather than the process. The result is wines that are alive! Tremayne manages to maintain crunchy fresh fruit, but also structure and grip. He has a profound understanding of the limits in producing natural wines – rather than follow dogma, he is solely driven to express the place, the fruit, and create a vibrant, moreish experience. Quantities are limited and have found their way into some of the very best wine bars and restaurants.
Winemaking Notes
Harvested from a vineyard in Paarl, bush vines, drylands farmed on clay soils. Picked on a taste and acidity at low sugars to make for a fresh style wine. 2020 vintage was in general a good vintage, but due to the vineyards still struggling from the long term effects of a drought, acids were a bit lower than expected in this block.
Tasting Notes
The best wines are those that have enough complexity to keep you coming back yet are not invasive and demanding of attention. Tremayne Smith’s Cinsault is just that. Layered fruit provides depth, while this chillable red maintains balances and drinkability throughout. A “vin de soif” if you will, for those moments that you need intrigue and
ease. This one is a staple from a winemaker on the rise.
Wine Details
Residual Sugar: 1.6 g/L
PH: 3.68
Alcohol: 13%
Total Acid: 4 g/L
Bottles Produced: 5500
Bottle Size: 750mL
Bottles Per Case: 12
