Wildeberg, ‘Coterie’ Cabernet Franc/Malbec, 2023, Coastal Region (WO)

'One-Liner'
A perfumed and richly textured Cape red, combining ripe woodland fruit and violets with savoury herbs, gentle oak spice and fine, beautifully balanced tannins.

Tasting Note
Fragrant redcurrant, wild plum and blackberry are joined by violet, fresh herbs, clove and star anise, with a subtle leafy character bringing lift to the ripe fruit. The palate is generous and velvety, balanced by juicy freshness and fine tannins, with dark berries, savoury spice and a lightly smoky note lingering through the long, structured finish.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Sub-Region: Coastal Region WO
Grape(s): 67% Cabernet Franc, 33% Malbec
ABV: 14%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
Bronze Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition

The Story
Wildeberg sits high above Franschhoek, but the Coterie range looks beyond the estate to carefully chosen vineyards across the wider Cape. For this blend, Cabernet Franc and Malbec are hand-picked from sites in Franschhoek and Paarl, bringing together the former’s perfume and herbal freshness with the latter’s darker fruit and natural weight. The grapes undergo a gentle, natural fermentation using whole bunches and whole berries before spending 20 months in a mixture of new and seasoned French and Austrian oak – a patient approach that builds texture and savoury complexity without losing the wine’s vivid fruit or sense of place.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Grilled lamb koftas with lemon and herbs
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart
- Vegan: Chickpea, Herb and Roasted Pepper Salad with Lemon Dressing