The Smoked Snoek Rose - has arrived....

Gerookte Snoek Dry Rosé is the Olifants River rosé from Sakkie Mouton Family Wines, a label that works under the banner "Along the Weskus", the West Coast. The name translates as smoked snoek, the oily Cape fish that is a fixture of West Coast braais, and the label shows a fish with a cigarette tucked into its mouth. It is a playful nod to the coast, and the wine in the bottle matches it with a distinctly salty, savoury character.

It’s made up of 60% Arignarnoa(a crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat) and 40% Lledoner Pelut. The Arignarnoa is the first of it’s kind in South Africa and planted on a sandy spot up in Vredendal.

The 2026 is a blend of two varieties that are new to South Africa. 60% is Arinarnoa, a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat, and the Vredendal planting behind this wine is the first of its kind in the country. The remaining 40% is Lledoner Pelut, a Grenache relative from the south of France, grown as unirrigated bush vines at 600 metres on Citrusdal Mountain. Both vineyards are young, under ten years old, and the wine is made without fining or filtration.

Both varieties were picked early in the morning to preserve freshness, then cooled before being pressed as whole bunches. The juice settled for one night before being racked into 500 and 400 litre barrels. Assyrtiko lees were added to the Arinarnoa to strip some of the colour and contribute natural tannins, and the juice was left in barrel for wild fermentation to start.

After three weeks of cold fermentation at 14 degrees Celsius the wine stopped fermenting and was left for four months on the gross lees to build complexity. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally, and the wine kept its natural acidity even after malo. It was bottled with a small addition of sulphur, unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes: Bright, coastal and refreshingly distinctive, this rosé opens with vibrant red berry aromas layered with a subtle savoury nuance. The palate is taut and energetic, driven by a streak of zesty citrus that carries through to a long, saline finish. Lees ageing adds texture and breadth without sacrificing freshness, while a gentle phenolic grip brings structure and complexity. Bone dry, vibrant and undeniably food-friendly, this is a rosé that balances precision with character, inviting another sip from the first pour.

Food Pairing: As the name suggests, smoked snoek is an exceptional match, whether enjoyed as pâté, fresh from the braai, or in a toasted sandwich. The wine's bright acidity cuts through richness and smoke, while its coastal salinity mirrors the flavours of the fish. Seafood shines alongside this wine, from oysters, mussels and grilled calamari to prawns with garlic and lemon or line-caught hake. Its citrus-driven freshness also makes it a natural partner for ceviche, sushi, sashimi and Baja-style fish tacos. For lighter fare, pair it with grilled halloumi, a feta and tomato salad, charcuterie, olives or salted nuts, where its crisp, mouthwatering finish keeps every bite feeling fresh and vibrant.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.43% | TA 7.2g/L | pH 3.22 | RS 2.0g/L