Discover the fine black fruits, exotic spice, and wild herbs of Circumstance Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch. A premier classic Cabernet Franc, delivering a concentrated and fruit-filled experience with fresh acidity and firm tannins. Perfect with slow-roasted lamb shank and rosemary for a truly exceptional experience.

About the Producer

Waterkloof was founded back in 2004 and is a family-owned vineyard using sustainable Organic practices.  The vineyards are perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg growing area, overlooking False Bay and the climate moderating Atlantic Ocean.  Healthy soils, a naturally low yield and a long growing season help provide Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard with balanced grapes that offer a clear sense of place and terroir.  In the winery they are transformed into wines with little intervention resulting in very fine, inimitable and eminently quaffable wines which are often best enjoyed with food.

Visit the Waterkloof Website

Vineyard and Winery

Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including: soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. The Cabernet Franc is from two adjoining, windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) blocks 240-60m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar by horses for hand-sorting. De-stemming and sorting takes place and fermentation happens spontaneously with wild yeast in large, open-top wooden fermenters. Manual punch-downs or foot-pressing pigeage take place 1-2 times per day and the wine is left on skins for 35 days before going through malolactic fermentation in mainly old barriques then ageing for 23 months in the same vessels. No fining, just a light filtration. No additions other than sulphur. Vegan friendly, biodynamic wine. 65 barrels made.