Rosendal Aquitaine 2019

This Bordeaux blend is named after the famous Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was one of the most influential personalities of the Middle Ages. Her marriage to the King of England opened up and secured trade relations between Bordeaux and England and later the rest of the world.

Many believe that Bordeaux wines owe their popularity and high reputation to her influence. She was the only monarch to sit on both the French and English thrones.

The grapes were harvested from three plots in the Cape Winelands. Each site contributes to the individuality of the grape variety and thus to the complexity of the final blend. The grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed and fermented in open stainless steel tanks. Flavour and colour development was achieved by regular pumping over and racking every 4 hours. The wine was then aged in 35 % new and 65 % second fill French oak barrels to produce soft, round tannins.

The slightly higher acidity of this wine makes it a perfect accompaniment to tomato-based dishes. Try it with linguine with smoked mussels and tomatoes or with a rich lamb ragout on creamy polenta.