Organic and Biodynamic

Organic black-grape skinned silkiness in a glass - should be a staple in every household!

This is a big and powerful red wine, dark red in colour. The nose has plenty of dark fruit aromas, plums, black cherries, chocolate, dried fruit and slight herbaceous notes. The palate is full, dense and rich with intense ripe fruit. There are more plum and spice flavours on the palate. The finish is has a touch of residual sugar, giving some natural sweetness, and is full, rich and lingering. 

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

ABV: 14 %

Grape: 90% Primitivo, 10% Merlot

A fine pale-coloured rosé with delicate aromas of pomegranates and raspberry and a distinctive flintiness. There’s finesse and elegance on the palate with flavours of soft red fruits, a gentle silky texture and a lingering fresh acidity on the finish.

If you ask someone what is their favourite wine, most would mention a red or a white. Very few would give a rosé. But, (for us) South Africa has taken the 'common' rosé and turned it into an art form. 

Such a delicate and perfumed rosé. Take a bit of sophisticated Provence rosé, give it a little hint of international dynamic, a little bit of relaxed "take me as I am" S'African personality and the result is this deliciously drinkable rosé from Stellenbosch.

Country: South Africa

Region: Schapenberg, Stellenbosch

Grapes: Mourvedre

ABV: 13%

Biodynamic and Organic

Waterkloof Wines

Winemaker Nadia Barnard:

In October 2022 Penny had the great pleasure of visiting Waterkloof Estate on the slopes of the Schapenberg, Stellenbosch with a few colleagues from the UK wine trade. They spent the good part of two days being driven around this beautiful, sustainably managed piece of land by winemaker, Nadia Barnard. All of the vineyards on the estate are farmed following organic and biological principles. Here at Cellar Door Wines we've always been huge fans of Waterkloof wines. It is always lovely to taste Nadia's wines in Saint Albans, but to be able to do so at Waterkloof, with the woman herself, was extra special. Tasting wine at the place of its birth explains the why and the how of its individuality. The people behind the vineyard and winery are also key components in the equation. The Cape and Waterkloof has such diversity of wine style with a great price quality ratio.

Completely untainted example of Nero D'Avola - just as nature intended!

The wine has a deep purple-red colour & intense aromas of blackberries & blueberries. The palate is soft & silky, bursting with spicy flavours of black pepper, dark chocolate, wild berries & vanilla.  The tannins are elegant yet persistent.  The finish is long & lingering and offers a burst of wild cherries at the end.

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

ABV: 13.5 %

Grape: Nero D'Avola

Fun Fact: Zensa in Italian means “without” referring to the absence of any chemicals or pesticides in the winemaking process. 

Straw yellow in colour with an elegant bouquet, reminiscent of pineapples and lemons. The palate shows hints of tropical fruit with a beautifully crisp acidity and a persistent finish. Only the best, handpicked, organically grown grapes are used to make this wine!

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

Grapes: Grillo, Chardonnay

ABV: 12%

Guaranteed summer drinking pleasure! Redcurrant, strawberry and raspberry notes with a hint of sweetness on the finish. Seriously lovely stuff!

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

ABV: 12 %

Grapes: Primitivo, Negroamaro

This Primitivo is a bright ruby red in colour. On the nose, aromas of black cherry and violets leap from the glass. The palate is soft and smooth with notes of sweet black cherries and blackcurrant fruits combined with notes of cinnamon and cloves supported by lovely soft tannins. Well balanced with a fresh acidity and a long, fruity finish.

Country: Italy

Region: Abruzzo

Grapes: Primitivo

ABV: 14%

Organic

Biodynamic

Fresh citrus and peachy aromas with hints of passion fruit. The palate has abundant pineapple and tropical fruit characters, balanced by zesty acidity and a ripe yet crisp finish. We love this wine!

Country: Italy

Region: Marche

Grapes: Verdicchio

ABV: 12.5%

Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian

Food Match: Shell fish, white fish and goat's cheese salads

Champions of Biodiversity and Sustainable Biodynamic Farming.

A hugely compelling wine. Deeply refined single estate expression showing bounds of character, finesse, length, breadth and structure - it really does have it all! A classically styled wine with notes of cassis and cedar. The seamless, elegant palate is encased by fine tannins.

A harmonious and integrated blend that combines the spiciness of the Syrah, the fresh fruits of the Petit Verdot and the juiciness from the Merlot. The beginning is fresh and fruity with good acidity, evolving into riper flavours and herbaceous notes, with elegant tannins and fine, bright acid in the finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: 56% Syrah, 27% Petit Verdot, 17% Merlot

Organic, Biodynamic

Waterkloof Wine

WATERKLOOF estate was founded in 2004, ending Paul Boutinot’s persistent and uncompromising 10 year search for a vineyard site with the potential to produce truly fine wine with a defining sense of origin. Located on the south-facing slopes of Schapenberg Hill near Somerset in the Stellenbosch district of the Western Cape’s Coastal Region, Waterkloof shares its magnificent Atlantic views with free-roaming peacocks and other natural fauna and flora attracted to this haven. Certified by Demeter in 2015, their vineyards are of only a few in the Cape to boast official biodynamic approval and status. The estate has 56 hectares under vine and Tim Atkin’s Cape Classification currently ranks Waterkloof as 5th Growth level. With production around 165,000 bottles per year, Waterkloof make “honest wines” from their unique biodynamic coastal site. Respect for nature, traditional winemaking practices and minimal intervention are all key to their success.

A top Malbec from one of Argentina’s most respected wineries. Full-bodied and richly flavoured Malbec at its best!

Full bodied with great concentration of vanilla, mocha, blackberries, sweet spices & cloves. The palate is rich and warming with notes of vanilla, black fruit, plums & cherries, as well as hints of leather. Enjoy with a juicy steak - just as they would in Argentina!

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

ABV: 14%

Grapes:  Malbec

Nieto Senetiner has grown to become one of the leading stars of Mendoza. The vineyards and winery were developed in 1969 and continue to be extended and updated. Nieto have vineyards in virtually all of the best sub districts of Mendoza from which they produce typical and classic wines, characterised by the uniquely appealing balance of power and finesse that defines the best wines of Mendoza. The top wines come from very old vineyards in the famed subdistrict of Agrelo and are fully deserving of their iconic status

Black cherry, violet and subtle herb characters on the nose with complex liquorice and earth flavours on the palate. Firm, but ripe tannins, great structure.

Country: New Zealand

Region: Hawke's Bay

Grapes: Pinot Noir

ABV: 13%

Organic

Rod McDonald is a New Zealand winemaking legend who arrived in Hawke's Bay 25 years ago as a green cellarhand. Following a stint at Villa Maria he became winemaker at Vidal before setting off on a solo adventure to craft the most compelling and exciting wines from the wide variety of soils throughout the region.
Rod has chosen to farm organically to allow his wines to really represent both the land the grapes are grown on and the people who make them.

Crushed laurel on the nose with more than a nuance of residual seaside salt.... or if you want a less pretentious description...bl**dy delicious!

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13%

Vegan, Vegetarian friendly

Biodynamic

Waterkloof Wine

This has a big and textured palate with stone fruit and fennel hints – it is rich and minerally, showing even a slight rocky quality about it. As bracing as the wind through the vines at Waterkloof.

Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004 this majestic and fully-fledged biodynamic estate is perched high on top of hill overlooking the Western Cape’s False Bay and produces delicately fine wines with a real sense of place.

Complex nose with hints of spice, chocolate and mocha. Good structure with plum and mineral complexity and a lingering finish.

Country: South African wine

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet & Malbec

ABV: 14%

Luminous Red with purple reflections, this elegant and finely textured wine displays aromas of dark fresh plum, cinnamon, exotic spices, black pepper and tobacco. The firm yet gentle tannins add complexity and a long and lingering finish. 

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

Grape: Nero di Troia

ABV: 13 %

An aromatic wine but don't be scared it's not sweet at all - and extremely more-ish

Hints of orange blossom and candied citrus fruits. Something completely different from the likes of Chardonnay, this is an engaging wine with a vibrant finish. You won't be disappointed, we promise!

Country: Chile

Region: Rapel Valley

Grapes:  Gewurztraminer

ABV:13%

Vegan/Vegetarian

Emiliana is one of the world’s most important producers of organic and biodynamic wines and the largest in South America. They have a total of 997 hectares under vine in the valleys of Casablanca, Maipo, Colchagua, and Cachapoal of which 923ha are IMO certified organic and the remaining 77 in conversion. Their spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from all over the world. General Manager José Guilisasti and winemaking consultant Alvaro Espinoza were key to establishing this project to convert a large commercial winery into a commercially viable organic one. These innovative wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.

A serious Rose with a strong personality.

Beautiful pale salmon colour with an appealing lemon & herb nose followed by flavours of warm southern herbs & rich, rounded fruit.  Very much a food wine with a powerful character & a delicious dry finish.

Country: France

Region: Provence

Grapes:  65% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 15% Cinsault

ABV: 14%

Organic

Vegan/Vegetarian

Domaine Lafran Veyrolles is an estate with a superb terroir and is widely recognised as one of the top three producers in the appellation. Jean-Marie Castell runs this small, traditional estate with just 10 ha of vines on the famous red clay soil of Bandol.  The estate nestles in and is protected by the hills of the Cadière d'Azur and benefits from a maritime climate. The estate works organically and the yields are kept extremely low. Domaine Lafran Veyrolles reds have made it one of the star performers of the appellation … but don’t overlook the rosé wines as they deserve attention too!

Delicious, rich and aromatic with notes of pineapple and dried grass. It has a beautiful balance of honeyed tropical fruits whilst retaining a refreshing acidity.

Country: Spain

Region:  Rías Baixas

Grapes: Albariño

ABV: 13%

Pretty, fresh and floral, just like the lovely label.....notes of passion fruit and fresh cut grass with slight hint of sweetness on the finish.

Country: New Zealand

Region: Hawkes Bay

Grapes: Pinot Gris

ABV: 13.5%

Organic

Rod McDonald is a New Zealand winemaking legend who arrived in Hawke's Bay 25 years ago as a green cellarhand. Following a stint at Villa Maria he became winemaker at Vidal before setting off on a solo adventure to craft the most compelling and exciting wines from the wide variety of soils throughout the region. 
Rod has chosen to farm organically to allow his wines to really represent both the land the grapes are grown on and the people who make them.

Intense and bright picota cherry colour. The nose is clean and intense, lots of black fruits, candy and floral notes.  A medley of plum, strawberry, black cherry and black currant with undertones of white pepper, earthy notes, and a very pleasant balsamic end with a hint of sweetness. This is elegant, crisp with mineral undertones and notes of rosemary and cedar that emerge as the wine evolves – not to mention the sweet but vibrant tannins that promise a bright future.

Country: Spain

Region: DO Manchuela, La Mancha

Grapes: Garnacha

ABV: 14%

Vegan/Vegetarian

Organic

As the lands starts to rise, inland northwest of Valencia, you will find Roselia Molina heading up Bodegas Altolandon. The property consists of 120 hectares with the winery resting right in the centre, not only making it aesthetically satisfying but also extremely practical. At 1,100 metres above sea level, the altitude serves to benefit the grapes with large diurnal variations which encourage even ripening and also helping retain their natural acidity. Organic methods are used to manage the vines utilising only natural fertilisers and some green pruning to further guarantee the quality of fruit prior to hand-harvesting. The grapes are vinified as naturally as possible with native yeasts and little other intervention. The wines are then aged in French oak and some in clay amphora to retain purity, but build complexity.

Wonderful, ripe and warming wine, full of sunshine and brightness. Subtle hints of sweet spice, coffee grounds and milk chocolate on the finish. Yummy.

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

Grapes: Negroamaro

ABV: 13.5%

Food match: great with antipasto cured meats. 

Caiaffa are certified organic, they do not use insecticides or pesticides in order to encourage a balanced ecosystem.

https://www.caiaffavini.it/en/

Wonderful, fresh wine made from organically grown grapes and with minimal intervention in the winery.

Country: Spain

Region: Almansa

Grapes: Verdejo and Sauvignon

ABV: 13%

Hand harvested and completely destemmed, the wine was fermented and aged in the amphoras in contact with skins and lees. The inside of our amphoras is coated with natural tree resin according to the ancient process used by the Romans 2000 years ago. The wine has not been filtered or stabilised.

Rich, ripe and full of mulberry fruit character with a silky round tannic structure. Beautifully made low intervention wine.

Country: Portugal

Region: Lisboa

Grapes: 50% Aragonez and 50% Trincadeira

ABV: 14%

Wonderfully well balanced, pure, juicy and ripe Montepulciano.

Ruby red in colour with a strong fruity scent, containing hints of spices, cherry plum and jam. Well balanced and plenty of length. This is a rich, deeply savoury, complex version of that old Italian classic.

Country: Italy

Region: Abruzzo

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Montepulciano

Certified Organic

Juicy, crunchy and fresh red fruit. Soft tannins. Very easy drinking. Biodynamic. 

This wine is playful in its aromas with pronounced cassis tones. Furthermore, a combination of blackcurrant, candied orange zest, violets and spices can be appreciated on the nose. In the mouth cassis fruit dominates with some spiciness to it, which is complemented by soft tannins that develop effortlessly.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV:12.5%

Grapes: Cinsault

Waterkloof Wine

Cinsault vines have been grown for centuries in Southern France. In the Rhône and Languedoc regions it is primarily used as a supporting agent in red blends, especially Châteauneuf-du- Pape, to add spice and aromatics whilst mellowing out harsh tannins.

But perhaps its most important role in wine history took place in South Africa, where in 1925 it was crossed with Pinot Noir by Stellenbosch University Professor A.I. Perold in an attempt to create a unique South African varietal. Today this proudly South African varietal is known as Pinotage.

Seriously Cool Cinsault is produced from more than 40 year old bush vines on the cool slopes of the Helderberg region. Older vines are known to have reached optimal balance in growth and production through time. This allows for low yields and ripe fruit with intense flavours. The soils are of decomposed granite origin with medium-sized stones, helping with drainage and moisture retention. Production was approximately 4t/ha.

We love this orange wine with it's pale amber colour. Beautifully pure and textured palate with fresh nuttiness and fine spices. Tangerine and a hint of marmalade and lovely pure citrus fruits. Juicy linear and expressive with a salty tang on the finish.

Country: Portugal

Region: Lisbon

Grapes: 20% Fernão Pires from Lisbon; 80% Siria from Beira Interior

ABV: 13%

Winemaker Andre is always interested in experimenting with new and old methods. He is the 5th generation of winemakers at Quinta do Montalto, the farm has 15Ha of Vineyards grown with organic certification since 1997 in Clay and Chalk soils under the Lisbon DOC Encostas D’Aire.
He uses ancient methods the create DOC Medieval Ourem, but also made new Portuguese Amphoras and uses the most modern low intervention techniques for his traditional range.

An elegant rendition of this normally unruly varietal. Features raspberry, dark fruit and herbal notes whilst an almost meaty, wild aroma can be detected on the nose. Typical vigour expected from this varietal, with a high concentration of fine tannin and a surprising lightness of touch helped by the lower alcohol.

Country : South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grape: Mourvèdre

ABV: 13.5%

Waterkloof Wine

Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including: soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. The Mourvedre is from a single, windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) block 250-300m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Production was a miserly 4 tons per hectare. Mourvedre is one of the few varietals with enough wind-resistance to plant as bush-vine on Waterkloof. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar by horses for hand-sorting. Bunches are sorted and whole-bunch fermentation happens spontaneously with wild yeast in large, open-top wooden fermenters. Manual punch-downs or foot-pressing take place 1-2 times per day and the wine is left on skins for 30 days before going through malolactic fermentation in old 600 litre barrels then ageing for 16 months in the same vessels. No fining, just a light filtration. No additions other than sulphur. Vegan friendly, biodynamic wine. 6 barrels made.