Rall Wines “Méthode Ancestrale” Cinsault

Swartland, south africa |  2023

One of the most influential and important winemakers in South Africa, Donovan Rall has produced exceptional wine since his first vintage of Rall Wines in 2008. 

Following an education in viticulture and oenology, extensive travels and harvests eventually brought him back to the Swartland, where he found his inspiration for Mediterranean varieties, and the dream of making unique and naturally styled wines under his own label from scattered old vineyards. Working closely with growers in the Swartland and in Stellenbosch to secure the best possible fruit at the optimal ripeness and balance, the vineyards are selected on the basis of soil type and age of the vines. Currently, the fruit for the Rall range is sourced from ten different vineyards, primarily from Swartland. 

The hands-off winemaking technique that follows is only possible if the vines are low yielding and the growth is in balance. Donovan has always produced small quantities by hand from the most unique and oldest sites he could find. The winemaking is simple, with each parcel allowed to ferment and mature naturally in order to reflect the character of each vineyard.

Méthode ancestrale, a.k.a pétillant naturel, or pet-nat, is the oldest means of producing sparkling wine, and Rall creates a beautiful one. Only a single fermentation takes place in the bottle (rather than two as in Champagne), without dosage, filtration, or disgorgement. Rall’s pet-nat is made of 100% Cinsault and is an excellent everyday sparkler; it’s light in body and alcohol, with flavors of fresh cherry, tart raspberry, and blood orange zest. The wine is bright, energetic, and goes down easily with a wide variety of foods.