Kleine Oranjerie Cabernet Franc/Malbec

Tasting Note Kleine Oranjerie Cabernet Franc/Malbec

An elegant and characterful red wine from the Western Cape, made from Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The aroma reveals bruised red fruit, redcurrants, and wild plums, complemented by spicy notes of clove and star anise.

The taste is soft and rich, with ripe black fruit, a slight savoriness, and subtle wood tones. The juicy acidity provides freshness, while the fine tannins give the wine structure and length. The finish is long and beautifully balanced.

Wine & Food

A great accompaniment to grilled lamb, beef, game, and spicy meat dishes. This wine also excels at a barbecue. Due to the combination of juicy fruit, spice, and fine tannins, it is also well suited for dishes with a somewhat firmer structure.

Additional information

The wine is part of the Kleine Oranjerie series from Wildeberg, Boutinot's winery in Franschhoek, South Africa. Wildeberg strongly believes that soil, climate, and topography determine which grape varieties thrive best in a particular location. On the estate itself, only about 10% of the terrain can be planted, which speaks to the rugged and natural character of the area.

The grapes are processed with whole bunches and fermented with wild yeasts. The grapes are not crushed. Extraction is slow, and the wine is only minimally filtered. This preserves the fruity and lively character of the grapes well.

The result is a wine with plenty of fruit and freshness, but also with sufficient structure and complexity to age for several years.

Fun fact

This wine is actually a South African variant of a classic Bordeaux blend. Cabernet Franc and Malbec are both traditional Bordeaux grapes, but in South Africa, due to the warm climate and the specific terroir of the Western Cape, they acquire a very unique character.