Flight of the Jackass Cinsault 2018 vs Reverie Pinotage 2018

Exercises in restraint.

If lightness, freshness and minimal tannins in red wines are what you’re into, here are two examples that should appeal.

Flight of the Jackass Cinsault 2018
Wine Cellar price: R180
The last release of a Cinsault by the Alheit Vineyards team, the Flotsam & Jetsam range that used to accommodate this wine now discontinued. From Stellenbosch grapes, vinification involved 100% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation in old oak and cement. The nose shows cranberry to go with subtle hints of rose geranium, thyme, spice and white pepper. The palate is very light bodied with snappy acidity and fine tannins. Charming – just beautifully poised if not too complex. Alcohol: 11.5%.

Editor’s rating: 90/100.

Reverie Pinotage 2018
Price: R210
Reverie is the own label of Radford Dale winemaker Jacques de Klerk, this from Voor Paardeberg grapes planted on granite, winemaking involving carbonic maceration before 10 months of maturation in old oak. The nose shows macerated strawberries, dried herbs and fynbos while the palate is supremely light, the finish very dry to the point of bitter. It’s a valiant attempt to tame Pinotage but arguably ends up being a bit insubstantial (alcohol: 12.31%).

Editor’s rating: 89/100.

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