2016 Cinsault, Illimis

Illimis’ 2016 Cinsault is a South African red wine in its lighter, more fragrant register: bright red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, fresh herbs and a little earthy spice, all carried with lift rather than weight. There is a lovely old-vine calm to it, the kind of quiet confidence that comes from fruit with character rather than extraction.

On the palate, it is supple, savoury and fresh, with fine tannins, a salty edge and a gentle thread of white pepper. It feels effortless but not simple, with red fruit, herbs and spice unfolding in a clean, graceful line. Serve lightly chilled and let its charm do the rest.

For when
A red wine evening calls for freshness, brightness and a little Cape intrigue.

Pairs with
Seared tuna, roast chicken, pork belly, chargrilled aubergine, mushroom dishes, dim sum, spiced lamb flatbreads or herby lentils.

Illimis was founded by Lucinda Heyns in 2015 after years spent sharpening her craft as a viticulturist in South Africa and abroad. The name comes from the Latin for clarity, a fitting idea for wines made to reflect where their vineyards are rooted. Based in Stellenbosch’s Polkadraai Hills and working with distinctive sites across the Western Cape, Heyns has built Illimis around elegance, integrity of fruit and a deep belief that everything begins in the vineyard.