REYNEKE
ORGANIC CORNERSTONE
STELLENBOSCH • SOUTH AFRICA
"Stellenbosch's cornerstone: a flawless Bordeaux blend that balances nature's precision with an extraordinary human purpose."
The Iconic Blend with Social Purpose
The Reyneke Organic Cornerstone is much more than a world-class wine; it is the foundation of Reyneke Wines' human philosophy in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Named 'Cornerstone' in honor of the workers who form the soul of the winery, the profits from this cult label are entirely dedicated to transforming the lives of their families through housing and education. In the glass, this biodynamic Bordeaux-style blend demonstrates superb sophistication. The vines grow in ancient decomposed granite soils under an agricultural model that prohibits industrial chemicals, resulting in a noble, complex wine endowed with a vibrant freshness that captivates the most stringent connoisseurs on the planet.
1. Technical Details
Winery: Reyneke Wines.
Origin: Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Variety: Classic Bordeaux-style blend (predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot).
Certification: Organic and Biodynamic with Demeter certification.
Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels (selected blend of new and neutral used barrels).
Alcohol: 14.0% vol.
SKU: RSA-REYNEKE-CORNER-750
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: Intense ruby red color with garnet rims, brilliant, clean, and with an imposing glyceric density.
Nose: Offers a magnificent aromatic palette laden with nuances. Crisp notes of cassis, blackcurrant, and dark cherry emerge, followed by complex mineral bursts of graphite, pencil lead, subtle fresh thyme, blond tobacco, and spicy notes of allspice.
Palate: Structured entry with excellent tension. On the palate, it unfolds silkily, with a medium-high body supported by fine, chalky tannins of great persistence. Its impeccable natural acidity balances the rich fruit concentration, guiding the wine to a very long, elegant finish with a markedly earthy and mineral character.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairings
Exclusive Pairing: Its distinguished mineral profile and the elegance of its tannins make it the perfect companion for complex culinary preparations. Excellent with herb-crusted beef fillet, grilled lamb chops, meat stews with wild mushrooms, duck magret with dark sauces, and semi-cured cheeses like Comté or aged Gruyère.
Suggested Moments:
- High-Profile Business: A highly distinguished international label, ideal for sharing with business partners and clients who value high enology combined with social responsibility.
- Gourmet Barbecue: The magnificent structure of Cabernet interacts extraordinarily well with the noble fat of marbled grilled cuts.
- Collector's Gift: An exceptional gift with a great backstory, highly valued by sommeliers, connoisseurs, and collectors of wines with soul and terroir.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
At what temperature is Reyneke Cornerstone recommended to be served?
To appreciate the crispness of its black fruit and its graphite mineral notes, it should be served strictly between 16°C and 18°C. Avoid serving it at elevated temperatures so that it does not lose its balance and aristocratic freshness.
Does it require prior decanting time?
Yes. As a blend with a noble concentration from biodynamic vineyards, it is highly recommended to decant it for a minimum of 1 hour before consumption. This allows the wine to oxygenate properly, softening the tannic load of youth and opening up its complex aromatic layers.
What is the aging potential of this organic blend?
It has a spectacular aging capacity. Thanks to Stellenbosch's impeccable acidity and Cabernet Sauvignon's tannins, this wine will evolve magnificently, gaining tertiary complexity of leather and fine tobacco over the next 8 to 12 years if stored in optimal cellar conditions.
Is this wine made with commercial or added yeasts?
No. True to the strict philosophy of minimal intervention and Demeter certification, Reyneke Cornerstone carries out all its fermentations using only indigenous or native yeasts from the vineyard itself, guaranteeing an honest and pure expression of the vintage and terroir.