Opstal 'Sixpence' Cinsault Rose, Breede River Valley, South Africa

A heartfelt tribute to generations of farmworkers and a celebration of everyday joy, the 2023 Opstal Wine Estate Sixpence Rosé from Slanghoek Valley, South Africa, delivers refreshing summer charm in every sip. Crafted from vineyards once grazed by sheep under the watchful care of shepherd Daniel "Sixpence" Smiles, this cheerful, vivid rosé honors his legacy and the families who have worked the land for decades. With its expressive red fruit character and lively citrus brightness, it's a wine born of place, people, and purpose.

Product Details:

• Varietals: Cinsault, Colombard
• Alcohol by Volume: 12.0%
• Farming Practices: Mulching and composting to improve soil health and vineyard microclimate
• Winemaking: A couple of hours of skin contact during pressing; cold settling followed by cold fermentation
• Winemaker: Attie Louw
• Owners: The Louw Family, Opstal Wine Estate

Sensory Description:

This brilliant pink rosé bursts with vibrant aromatics of bright red cherry, ripe strawberry, and subtle floral tones. On the palate, it offers flavors of citrus, red berries, and a nostalgic hint of cotton candy, giving the wine a cheerful and satisfying juiciness. Clean acidity from the Colombard component lends balance to the ripe fruit, while the finish is crisp and refreshing.

Winemaker's Background:

Opstal Wine Estate, nestled in the Slanghoek Valley, is a multigenerational, family-run operation dating back to 1847. The “Sixpence” label commemorates Daniel Smiles, a shepherd who worked the land in the 1950s and 60s, and whose family remains part of the estate’s working community. Today, the estate supports 30 families and has created the Sixpence Community Fund to benefit farm workers. The estate is also deeply committed to ecological restoration and conservation, working to reintroduce native trees and preserve biodiversity along the Breede River.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 40–45°F. Ideal for afternoon sipping, this rosé pairs beautifully with lighter fare like fresh salads, seafood, sandwiches, or creamy pasta dishes. Its juicy profile and refreshing finish also make it a delightful standalone aperitif.

This 2023 Opstal Wine Estate Sixpence Rosé is more than just a wine, it's a celebration of community, heritage, and the simple pleasures of life. It honors its namesake and those who have shaped the estate’s story with a bottle that’s bursting with life, joy, and gratitude.