As part of its #summerjoys wine focus, La Motte is delighted to introduce the release of its 2023 Vin de Joie Rosé. Celebrating the estate’s French-heritage, this Provençal-style Rosé called Vin de Joie is a delicate wine that promises to bring joy – whether in the form of a simple pleasure or social merriment.

Popular for how it adds charm to any occasion, the Vin de Joie Rosé is the ideal choice as an elegant glass on its own or a versatile option for celebrating with food and friends. Sip slowly while enjoying a sultry sunset, during a quiet moment reading or while listening to your favourite tunes. Raise pretty pink glasses with loved ones and serve with a variety of food – from Mediterranean-styles feasts of leafy salads, finely sliced Charcuterie and fruit-inspired desserts, to elegant seafood canapés.

Although inspired by the style of French rosé, the 2023 La Motte Vin de Joie Rosé is a true celebration of South African diversity with a varietal and terroir combination of 71% Grenache (Swartland and Stellenbosch), 17% Mourvèdre (Franschhoek), 6% Syrah (Elim) and 1% Cinsault (Franschhoek). Grapes for La Motte’s Vin de Joie Rosé are grown in soil types representing all three of the main mother rock formations in South Africa (decomposed variations of shale, granite and Table Mountain sandstone). The different varieties and vineyard blocks also ripen gradually over the harvest season, allowing the winemaking team to treat the grapes with particular care and attention as they get to the cellar.

Grapes are hand-picked and cooled down overnight to release as little colour as possible at crush. Only the first 600 litres of free run juice from a ton were used for the wine. After flotation, the wine was racked and underwent cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks. All the varieties were processed separately before being blended, stabilised and filtered.

Known for the timeless quality of his wines, Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche says: “I am delighted by how the vintage conditions, terroir, varietal selection, winemaking and the style of the wine cooperate to bring us a delicate and delightful shade of pink, an elegant and well-balanced flavour profile and the ideal acidity/pH balance to ensure freshness and longevity.”

The 2023 La Motte Vin de Joie Rosé offers a delicate salmon pink with a tinge of onion skin, typical of a Mediterranean-style rosé. The nose is slightly restrained, but offers well-defined melon, grapefruit and nectarine, as well as a hint of playful candyfloss. The palate is polished and juicy on entry, with a refreshing acidity and a lovely lingering aftertaste of nectarine.