MONT DU TOIT WO Paarl Region 0.75L

Cabernet Franc from Paarl — this is South Africa from a serious side: structured, spicy, with the depth of a grape variety that is often underestimated in this country. Mont du Toit shows what the soils at the foot of the Hawequa Mountains can get out of this grape.

The winery is located in the Wellington Valley, one of the cooler corners of the Paarl region, where granite and slate soils provide minerality and tension. 24 months of aging in small oak barrels, 25% of which are new oak — enough to give the wine melt without overpowering the fruit. On the nose, mocha, vanilla, dried dates, and a characteristic hint of green bell pepper, which Cabernet Franc almost always brings, appear. On the palate follows a medium-bodied body with firmly integrated tannins, lively acidity, and a long, slightly smoky finish.

Best served at 16–18 °C. Pairs with lamb chops with herb crust, beef brisket from the stew pot, or mature hard cheese like Manchego. If you like, open the bottle an hour before pouring — the wine will thank you with more openness.