Get to know: Waterkloof, Circle of Life White
A bright and elegant white blend from biodynamic vineyards near Cape Town.
Tasting Note
This isn’t your everyday white blend - it’s a wine that reflects the complexity of its vineyard more than any single grape. Circle of Life White opens with fragrant aromas of citrus blossom, green pear and a hint of white peach. On the palate, it’s lively and textured - crunchy apple, citrus zest and a light herbal lift lead into a crisp, mineral-driven finish. Silky in feel and beautifully balanced, it’s the sort of bottle you can enjoy whenever you fancy something restrained yet expressive.
Top food pairings:
- Grilled asparagus and lemon‑garlic tofu
- Seared kingklip or ceviche with fresh herbs
- Soft cheese: fresh goat’s or ricotta-style cheese
Kate Says
"This is a really honest, well-made wine from the most stunning wine estate, dedicated to making wines with a sense of place. This blend is zesty and complex which makes it a great foodie wine; it's mega with fish dishes."
Producer Info
Waterkloof is a coastal estate on the edge of South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, just 2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The Circle of Life White is a true expression of place, shaped by altitude, soil, sea breezes and a focus on biodiversity. No single grape defines it; instead, it brings together Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Semillon from south-facing slopes between 200 and 350 metres above sea level.
Yields are kept extremely low (just 4 tonnes per hectare), with hand-harvesting done early in the morning to preserve freshness. Whole-bunch basket pressing is used to gently extract the juice without additives. The wine is fermented naturally - a portion as a co-fermented blend in old oak barrels, the rest added later in stainless steel - and aged on fine lees for complexity and texture. No acid, enzymes or unnecessary adjustments. Just honest, terroir-driven winemaking.
How it’s made:
- South-facing vineyards on coastal slopes, 200–350m altitude
- Grapes hand-harvested in the cool of morning
- Whole-bunch pressed in a basket press, no additives used
- Partial co-fermentation of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin in old oak
- Aged six months on fine lees for weight and complexity
Good to know:
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Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Vintage: 2024
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Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Semillon
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ABV: 13.5%
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Vegan: Yes
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Style: Textured, mineral white blend
Why we love it:
Circle of Life White is a wine that defies convention. It’s thoughtful, expressive and rooted in place - with every decision from vineyard to bottle designed to let the farm speak for itself. An ideal wine for those who love complexity without fuss.