Rupert & Rothschild Classique 2021

Winery Background and History

Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons is a joint venture between the Rupert family of South Africa and the Rothschild family of France, established in 1997. Their goal is to marry New World terroir with Old World precision and elegance. Outside of their flagship Baron Edmond, the Classique label represents an approachable Bordeaux-style blend made with consistency in mind. The winery emphasizes vineyard selection, careful winemaking, and a focus on balance. 

Producer and Winemaker

Classique is produced by Rupert & Rothschild’s in-house team. The winemaker (Yvonne Lester, per wine.co.za) oversees the vinification, blending, oak maturation, and finishing protocols to maintain the house’s stylistic signature. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The vineyards contributing to Classique come from the Western Cape, South Africa. The terroir is characterised by Mediterranean climate influences, with warm days and cooling nights, and soils well suited to Bordeaux varietals. In 2021, the grapes were hand-picked from February to March across vine ages from 4 to 32 years. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs to manage extraction. After primary fermentation, malolactic fermentation occurs in tank. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 16 months before bottling. 

Tasting Notes

Colour: Brilliant red rim with a deep red centre. 

Aroma: Crushed red berries, cherry tobacco, oak spice, pencil shavings, evolving into black cherry notes. 

Palate: Vibrant red fruit core (cherry, red plum), silky texture, tight but integrated tannins, good balance, and structure hinting at ageing potential. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with red meats (beef, lamb), game, mushroom dishes, and richer stews. Also good with medium to hard cheeses and tomato-based sauces. The wine’s structure and fruit make it versatile. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16-18 °C. Use a Bordeaux style red wine glass. Decanting 20-30 minutes can help the wine open up, especially if the bottle has been aged or is tightly wound.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine has potential for ageing over 10 to 20 years, assuming good cellar conditions (cool, stable, moderate humidity, dark). Over time, secondary and tertiary notes (earth, cedar, dried fruit) may emerge. 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

From Waddesdon Wine’s listing:

• Merlot 41 %

• Cabernet Sauvignon 39 %

• Cabernet Franc 11 %

• Petit Verdot 8 %

• Malbec 1 % 

  Wine.co.za gives a slightly different breakdown: Merlot 40 %, Cabernet Sauvignon 35 %, Cabernet Franc 13 %, Petit Verdot 11 %, Malbec 1 %. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5 %