Flotsam & Jetsam, Stalwart Cinsault 2017, Western Cape, South Africa

Tasting Note: Cinsault from South Africa is one of my all-time favorites, and this fresh, vibrant and red-fruit-filled cinsault is a great example of what this grape has to offer.

Medium-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of raspberry puree, red plum, red currant, strawberry, cassis and blossom.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied cinsault has medium-plus-intensity, red-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and ripe, medium tannin.

The wine has an energetic midpalate and completes with a medium-plus-finish.

I adore cinsault and the expression in this bottle is delightful.

Bottle Note: Flotsam & Jetsam is a project by Chris and Suzan Altheit. Its purpose is to explore and preserve the Cape’s vinous heritage, to celebrate the underdogs and the oddities, and hopefully to show that “workhorse grapes” can make lekker wine.