Pas De Nom Rosé 2026
R160,00
It brings delicate aromas of dusty wild strawberry, raspberry, and red gummy bears, along with gentle spice and a savoury, earthy undertone. Mataro adds a fine line of acidity, supple tannins, and a subtle peppery edge that lends both freshness and texture. Syrah complements this with juicy fruit weight and purity, creating a seamless balance of brightness and depth. The result is a crisp, layered rosé with energy, spice, and a lingering complexity that speaks to both varietals in harmony.
13.7
ALC
6.0
TA
3.40
pH
0.33
VA
2.1
RS
Words from our winemaker, Megan:
The Vintage
The 2026 season began with a particularly wet winter, with 610.5 mm of rainfall recorded between June and August, replenishing soil reserves ahead of an exceptionally dry growing season. Pruning commenced about a week earlier than the previous year, followed by early budbreak in September. Rainfall declined sharply thereafter, with only 59 mm recorded between September and November. Wind during flowering affected fruit set in some exposed blocks, while good initial soil moisture and warm spring conditions encouraged early vegetative growth.
Summer brought sustained warmth and minimal rainfall, with only 22 mm recorded in December, 4 mm in January and 10 mm in February. Occasional spikes in humidity created intermittent disease pressure, requiring attentive vineyard management. Prolonged dry conditions naturally moderated vegetative growth, encouraging smaller berries with thicker skins and excellent concentration.
Harvest commenced in mid-February, notably earlier than the previous year, with warm, dry conditions accelerating ripening and tightening picking windows. March remained completely dry, allowing for healthy fruit throughout harvest. Despite the demanding conditions, yields increased by 10.5% compared to 2025, delivering a generous crop with expressive aromatics, depth and structure.
The Wine
The secret behind making rosé lies in the skin of the red wine grape, where we find the pigment that stains the juice to whichever extent we choose. A blend of 58% Syrah and 42% Cabernet Franc, our 2026 Rosé was made using a combination of saignée and gentle whole-bunch pressings. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and aromatic purity, the wine was left on its lees for four months before bottling, building texture and complexity without compromising its vibrant character. The nose opens with bruised nectarine, mandarin zest and delicate rosewater, before a little white pepper, wild thyme and a cheeky dash of Tabasco bring some spice to the party. Grapefruit adds a citrusy edge, while pink marshmallow and the first cherries of the season lend a playful, nostalgic sweetness. The pale white flesh of watermelon adds a delicate, almost savoury freshness. Don’t let the pretty pink notes fool you, though. This rosé has serious backbone, with an intensely structured palate and vibrant, mouth-watering acidity that sweeps everything clean. A wine that knows how to have fun but holds its own at the dinner table, particularly alongside gravlax, where its citrus bite and savoury spice shine.
