The Franschhoek Valley, located in the Western Cape of South Africa, is a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional winemaking conditions. The valley’s Mediterranean climate, with its warm summers and cool, breezy evenings, provides an ideal environment for growing premium grapes. The diverse soil types, ranging from granite to sandstone, allow winemakers to experiment and express the unique characteristics of each varietal.

Wildeberg, the winery behind Coterie, has capitalized on this exceptional terroir. Their vineyards are situated in locations that maximize the influence of the valley’s microclimates, allowing the Cabernet Franc and Malbec grapes to reach optimal ripeness and develop their full potential.

Coterie by Wildeberg is hand-harvested in February from selected sites in Franschhoek and Paarl. Both cultivars are fermented whole bunch, with some whole berry fruit, there is no crush, just a daily pump over during the natural fermentation. The components are racked to French and Austrian oak, new and old, for 20 months before blending and bottling.

A ripe and expressive nose of crushed fruits, cherry, wild plum and blackberry, with spice and star anise. Robust and richly flavoured with concentrated damson fruit backed by juicy acidity and a savoury mid palate with subtle, gently spicy oak. The mouth filling fruit is offset by fine tannins on a fresh, sappy finish.

Perfect for grilled meats, especially lamb and spiced meat dishes.