Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Cinsault Rosé 2019 Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

Kleine Zalze is one of Stellenbosch’s most familiar names, a producer that spans everything from everyday drinking to serious barrel-aged wines. The Cellar Selection sits at the accessible end of the range, built for freshness and easy enjoyment rather than long cellaring, and this Cinsault rosé is a good example of that brief.

Cinsault has a long history at the Cape, once one of its most widely planted grapes, and it lends itself naturally to rosé. Picked early and pressed gently, it gives pale colour, gentle red-fruit character and a light, refreshing frame. This is a pure Cinsault rosé drawn from Coastal Region vineyards, made in a dry, crisp style rather than anything sweet or heavy.

The 2019 is a warm-country vintage bottled young to catch its fruit at its freshest, and rosé of this style is made to be enjoyed within a year or two of release rather than aged.

Expect a pale salmon-pink glass with aromas of strawberry, red cherry and a hint of floral lift. The palate is dry and fresh, with light red-berry flavour, a soft texture and a clean, zesty finish. Serve it well chilled, around 8 degrees, in a decent-sized glass to let the aromatics show.

This is a straightforward, sociable rosé that suits the warmer months and outdoor eating, and an easy crowd-pleaser at a barbecue or picnic. If you enjoy dry Provence-style pink wines, it sits in comfortable company. Good with summer salads, grilled prawns, or simply on its own in the garden.