Rockbelt Ridge wines are the dream of native African, Dan Mosia, from the Basotho Nation.
His dream was to farm his own land, produce wine grapes, and craft his own wine out of the rocky African soil in the Robertson Valley.
He crafted this magnificent wine with the input of a local farmer and winemaker and proudly shares it with you.
The Basotho Nation is a nation that boasts about its rich culture that can trace their origins to the pre-historic age. The Basotho, also known as Sotho speakers, are said to have originated from the north of Southern Africa. The Basotho made their way down as various tribes settled in different parts of the country. Some groups settled in the west, while others settled in the east and further south. Today these diverse groups are respectively known as the Batswana, BaPedi and Basotho tribes.
Winemaking in South Africa is not that different from winemaking in other parts of the world. When you think about it, winemaking is a profession as old as civilization itself. From Ancient Egypt, Europe and Asia, winemaking was, and still is, the art and science of preserving fruit and crafting a beverage that Louis Pasteur called, “The most healthful and most hygienic of beverages.” All wines begin as a product of the sun and soil that bring forth the grapes from which the wine is crafted. Grapes are a horticultural crop. The vines must be matched with the proper growing environment and cultural techniques to yield a sustainable crop of grapes year after year. As with all grapes, the quality in the vineyard can not be improved at the winery. It can be shaped and formed into the desired wine but not improved. It is for this reason that the proximity of the vineyards to the winery is crucial for any serious winemaking.
Harvest season begins in late January. Grape samples are evaluated for sugar, acid, pH, and of course, flavour. The grapes are harvested in the cool morning hours starting at daylight and ending around 10 a.m. The white grapes, Rockbelt Ridge , ripen first, which are brought to the winery for processing as soon as they are picked. We mature our wines in older second ,third and fourth year french oak barrels. The red grapes, ripen in mid-to-late February. They are sampled and later harvested in the same manner. Most of the red grapes are fermented in the traditional method for red wine – on the skins with select yeast. This method allows the flavor and color of the red grapes to be extracted by the action of the yeast and by the pressing later. Wines are fermented, blended and allowed to become stable before bottling.
The Rockbelt Ridge Range
The rich, red, limestone-based soils underlying our vineyards at Rockbelt Ridge are what makes our farm of the Robertson Wine Valley so special. The soils found here are perfectly matched to grape growing, giving our fruit an individual character that is distinctly Rockbelt Ridge and our wines their unique and delicious flavours.
A deep ruby red wine with firm integrated tannins. Rich ripe fruit of black currant, blackberries with a hint of chocolate and vanilla on the nose and palate.
ALC 13.0 | RS 1.86 | VA .53 | TA 5.21 | PH 3.6
Classic ripe peach and tropical fruit on the nose and soft, well- integrated vanilla flavour on the palate.
ALC 13.0 | RS 1.86 | VA .53 | TA 5.21 | PH 3.6
ALC 13.78 | RS 2.3 | VA .68 | TA 5.27 | PH 3.7
The Black Korhaan Range
The Black-bellied korhaan, also known as the black bustard, is a species of bird found in savanna, cultivared fields and tall open grassland in sub-Saharan Africa. Mostprefer to run or walk over flying. They have long broad wings with “fingered” wingtips.
BLACK KORHAAN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The Cabernet Sauvignon shows a full-bodied style with rich mulberry, plum and blackcurrent flavours supported by soft tannins. The wine is deep red in colour with clear star bright clarity, smooth with good weight made in a friendly new Cape style with no hard edges. The wine does not come across as bone dry but rather a fruity softness medium dry.
ALC 12.48 | RS 6.29 | TA 6.10 | PH 3.64
BLACK KORHAAN
MERLOT
South Africa’s most popular red wine varietal. This wine ticks all the boxes! Rich, dark ruby with ripe, punchy plum flavours, sweet black cherry and a velvety finish. Delicate oaking does not mask the ripe fruit. Enjoy now with roast chicken, beef, lamb, pasta or steak.
ALC 13.25 | RS 6.15 | TA 5.99 | PH 3.5
BLACK KORHAAN
PINOTAGE
The deep purple tint on the rim with delicious flavours of ripe strawberry, banana, juicy plums and rich, red cherry. Produced in early drinking style with well-integrated wood and a soft, smooth finish. Enjoy now with roast beef, guiea fowl, roast chicken, stews, lamb, pizza and pasta.
ALC 12.98 | RS 6.77 | TA 5.76 | PH 3.67
BLACK KORHAAN
SHIRAZ
This full-bodied wine shows freshly crushed black pepper aromas with hints of cinnamon and cloves on the nose with lots of brambly red berry fruit, rich mulberry and well integrated vanilla tones. Enjoy now with roast beef, stews, lamb, venison, pasta and steak.
ALC 13.65 | RS 5.99 | TA 5.90 | PH 3.42
BLACK KORHAAN
THE BLACK BLEND
This rich blend was created for your enjoyment and to showcase how the sumptuous blackberry fruits of the Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly complement the Shiraz spice. Enjoy this wine now with roast beef, guinea fowl, roast chicken, stews, lamb, venison, pasta and steak.
ALC 12.63 | RS 12.4 | TA 5.5 | PH 3.51
BLACK KORHAAN
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Always delicious when it is fresh, youthful and inviting. The wine is a fullbodied wine with powerful varietal flavours of passion fruit, green apple and greshly cut grass. Good structure with lovely balancing acidity. Enjoy now with seafood, smoked salmon, raost chicken or pork.
ALC 13.65 | RS 5.99 | TA 5.90 | PH 3.42
BLACK KORHAAN
CHARDONNAY
The balance of the fresh citrus fruits and rich melon characters give the wine a full rounded palate that combines well with the subtle creaminess and nittinessof the gentle oak. The natural acidity follows through to a fresh and clean finish. Enjoy now with seafood, salmon, roast chicken, Thais-food and pork.
ALC 12.63 | RS 12.4 | TA 5.5 | PH 3.51
BLACK KORHAAN
CHENIN BLANC
An appealing light straw colour. Light with lovely ripe, attractive rounded fruit. Fresh floral nose and an exciting acid balance. Enjoy now with seafood, smoked salmon, roast chicken and pork.
ALC 12.37 | RS 7.9 | TA 5.61 | PH 3.53
The
Method Cap Classique
Range
ROCKBELT RIDGE BRUT
The scent of ice, cool and mineral on opening, alongside powdery white flowers, white peach and crisp green apples.
The cooler growing conditions of this vintage resolves with a tight energetic palate; the fruit is fresh and clean against a chalky texture; limpid peach and melon grow and evolve into glacé pineapple and a whip of lemon curd. Extended lees time (18 months) and a lower level of tirage deliver autolytic biscuity tensity and a fine, persistent bubble, to a long, radiant finish.
ALC. 11.49 | RS 8.7 | TA 5.6 | PH 3.28
The
Method Cap Classique
Range
ROCKBELT RIDGE BRUT
The scent of ice, cool and mineral on opening, alongside powdery white flowers, white peach and crisp green apples.
The cooler growing conditions of this vintage resolves with a tight energetic palate; the fruit is fresh and clean against a chalky texture; limpid peach and melon grow and evolve into glacé pineapple and a whip of lemon curd. Extended lees time (18 months) and a lower level of tirage deliver autolytic biscuity tensity and a fine, persistent bubble, to a long, radiant finish.
ALC. 11.49 | RS 8.7 | TA 5.6 | PH 3.28
We believe that great wine is meant to be shared, and we’re excited to share ours with you. If you have any sales-related inquiries, please contact Palesa Mosiaby phone at +27 64 525 3788 or via email at palesa@rockbeltridge.co.za. Alternatively you can get in touch with Dr. Dan Mosia, our founder and Managing Director, at +27 82 901 9653 or dan@rockbeltridge.co.za. We look forward to hearing from you!
info@rockbeltridge.co.za