The 2026 La Motte Vin de Joie Rosé is a blend of 63% Grenache, 23% Mouverde, 11% Cinsaut and 3% Syrah. The grapes are from different districts in the Western Cape including Stellenbosch, Swartland, Franschhoek and Elim.
Conditions leading up to the 2026 harvest were generally positive for the vineyards supplying grapes for this wine. Budburst was even and slightly earlier, even in cooler areas such as Elim, while good bunch formation indicated a promising crop. Disease pressure was low due to the dry, windy and warm conditions. Heat units were above average during November and December, which further advanced ripening and brought the harvest forward, despite the absence of any heatwaves
Different terroirs are represented in this wine, with all three of South Africa’s main mother rock formations present: decomposed shale, granite and Table Mountain sandstone. The different varieties and vineyard blocks ripen at different stages throughout the harvest, allowing the winemaking team to give each batch individual attention and care as part of a dedicated Rosé protocol. Most of the vineyards are trellised, while the Cinsaut and Mourvèdre from the Swartland are bush vines.
The different varieties and vineyard blocks were harvested and processed separately. The grapes were cooled overnight in a cold room to minimise colour extraction during crushing. They were then destemmed and immediately transferred to the press, allowing the free-run juice to drain as the grapes entered. The skins were pressed gently to further limit colour extraction. Following flotation, the wine was racked and coolfermented in stainless-steel tanks. The different components were then blended and stabilised before filtration and bottling. The 2026 vintage produced 9,000 cases of six bottles and was bottled in August 2026.
This elegant Rosé displays a striking onion-skin and salmon hue. The nose is expressive, revealing enticing aromas of apricot sweets, vibrant tangerine and tropical pawpaw, complemented by a delicate hint of jasmine. The palate is exceptionally juicy, with luscious melon flavours and a smooth, generous texture that creates a rich, coating mouthfeel. Fresh, crisp acidity provides balance and carries the wine through to a clean, mineral-driven finish.
Alcohol 13.26%
Residual Sugar 1.8 g/l
Total Acid 5,5 g/l
pH 3,29
