Bellevue Estate Cinsault 2022 Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

The Morkel family’s Bellevue Estate, with roots at a manor house dating to 1701, farms the granite slopes of Bottelary in Stellenbosch. While its reputation rests on old-vine Pinotage and serious Bordeaux-style reds, the Estate range also includes lighter, more sociable bottlings like this one, made to be enjoyed young and without ceremony.

Cinsault has deep roots at Bellevue, which farms one of South Africa’s oldest blocks of the variety, and it is one half of Pinotage’s parentage. This Estate version comes from younger vines and takes a fresher, fruit-forward path, with gentle handling to keep its juicy, unforced character. It is the range’s most carefree red.

Stellenbosch was a happy exception in 2022, a year when much of South Africa saw a smaller crop. Good winter rains and a largely cool, even growing season slowed ripening and helped the region hold on to bright flavours and fresh colour, exactly the conditions a light, aromatic style like this Cinsault thrives on.

In the glass it is pale and inviting, leading with red cherry, strawberry and raspberry. The palate is light and juicy, tannins soft and undemanding, acidity fresh enough to keep everything lively into a clean finish. Serve it lightly chilled on a warm day. Try it with charcuterie, grilled chicken, tomato pasta or a simple cheese board.

If you reach for Beaujolais, lighter Loire reds or a chillable Grenache, this will slot straight in. Bellevue makes plenty of weighty, cellar-worthy reds, but part of the estate’s confidence is knowing when to keep things simple. This is a wine for good company rather than serious contemplation.