Van Loggerenberg, Breton Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2023

Producer Profile

Founded in 2016 by Lukas and Roxanne Van Loggerenberg, this Paarl‑based family winery has quickly become a beacon of authenticity in the Western Cape.

Lukas, a 2018 Young Winemaker of the Year and recent inductee into the Cape Winemakers’ Guild, sources fruit from top sites in Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Paarl, making low-intervention, site-specific wines from vineyards mainly in the Stellenbosch and Swartland appellations that exemplify freshness and site purity. With a focus on cultivars like Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, Van Loggerenberg crafts vibrant wines that are aromatic, textural, and mineral-rich—true reflections of place and vintage.

Viticulture

The wine is made up of two Stellenbosch vineyard parcels, 75% destemmed fruit from Lynedoch and 25% whole-bunch from Polkadraai Hills.

Winemaking

100% destemmed, after pressing, the two parcels underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel on their own. The two components were blended after 10 months in barrel and bottled right after. No enzymes or commercial yeast was used in making the wines. 45% of the wine was aged in concrete and the rest in 500L old French oak barrels.

Tasting Note

The nose shows fresh herbs, violet, and fynbos, with layers of red and black berries, damson, and a touch of earth. It’s light on its feet but serious in style, with juicy acidity, clean fruit, and a dry, grippy finish that keeps things fresh and focused.