ASW Saartjie Cabernet Franc 2021
ASW Saartjie Cabernet Franc 2021
Manufacturer: Arno Smith Wine
An intense and spicy wine with a firm structure.The nose is filled with ripe raspberries and red currants, beautifully complemented by notes of crushed graphite and fresh herbs. This palette carries over seamlessly to the palate, supported by brilliant acidity and fine, chalky tannins. The wine is highly sophisticated and energetic, built on the solid character of Cabernet Franc from the Stellenbosch region. The structured finish with a mineral edge creates a long-lasting experience and absolutely invites you back for another sip.
2021/ 0.75l / 13,5% / Cape Town - South Africa
About the Winery
Arno Smith Wine Company is a boutique project by independent winemaker Arno Smith, established in 2021. Inspired by a childhood spent on the family farm in Tankwa Karoo, Arno combined his experiences in the USA and Australia with a decade of expertise at Hillcrest Estate in Durbanville. His goal is to create wines that are a true reflection of specific micro-terroirs and the varieties that fascinate him. Under his own label, he produces sought-after ranges like Saartjie (named after his faithful Jack Russell terrier) focusing on Bordeaux cultivars, and artistic series such as Kronkelpad (Verdelho) or Kromtak (Grenache). Crafted with minimal intervention, Arno's wines consistently earn acclaim from critics like Christian Eedes (Winemag), with ratings frequently exceeding the 90-point mark.
Terroir
The terroir of Arno Smith wines is defined by diversity across the Stellenbosch, Durbanville, and Darling regions. Arno focuses on specific vineyard blocks, such as those at the foot of Stellenbosch Mountain or in the Lower Helderberg area, where soils rich in decomposed granite and sandstone lend the wines depth and minerality. This mosaic approach allows him to work with various soil types and microclimates: from the limestone-rich soils of Darling, which bring freshness to his white wines, to the shale soils of Durbanville that shape the structure of his Cabernet Franc and Malbec. By combining carefully selected sites with a respect for the natural character of the grapes, his wines achieve exceptional purity and texture.
Recommended wine pairings
ASW Saartjie Cabernet Franc 2021