At Waterford Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon is more than just a grape – it’s a philosophy, a passion, and a legacy. Of our portfolio, the Waterford Antigo reflects this depth of understanding and the unique diversity of our estate.
Grown in rich red clay soils, the vineyard that produces our Antigo sits less than 300 meters from the block that grows the Estate’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon. While the distance may be small, the difference in terroir and the resulting wines is vast.
Red clay – the vineyard’s secret weapon
The red clay vineyard, from which the Antigo is born, is like a super sponge. This soil type excels at absorbing and retaining water and nutrients, creating ideal conditions for vine growth. The result? Vines that live a happy, low-stress life, allowing them to focus their energy on producing larger grapes with a sweeter, plush profile.
This ease translates into the glass: The Antigo is smooth and plush, with a juicy palate that leans into ripe red and black fruits and velvety tannins. There’s a generosity to this wine that makes it approachable in youth, yet structured enough to evolve gracefully over time.
The Antigo is our reminder that terroir doesn’t just influence wine, it defines it.
A contrast in character, just over the hill
Just a stone’s throw from the Antigo vineyard lies the source of our Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a more serious and refined expression of the varietal. This site is composed of loamier, drier soils, which force the vines to dig deeper in search of moisture and sustenance. The struggle pays off in the form of smaller, more concentrated grapes.
Here, the Cabernet takes on a different voice – graphite, blackcurrant, leather, and forest floor dominate, supported by refined tannins and a more tightly wound structure. It’s a wine built for cellaring, for unfolding over time, and for special moments.
Two soils. One grape
What makes the Antigo so compelling is that it is crafted from Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – our calling card and guiding light. It’s a testament to the depth of our vineyards and the expertise of our viticultural and winemaking team. Their ability to craft two distinct wines from vines that quite literally look onto one another is astonishing and a testament to their experience at Waterford Estate.
The Antigo reminds us that the story of a wine begins in the soil, and at Waterford, that story is one of curiosity, craftsmanship and the appreciation of terroir.
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To taste the unique character of the Waterford Antigo, follow the link to our website, where you can add this wine to your collection.
https://www.waterfordestate.co.za//wines/waterford-antigo
To taste the Antigo in our tasting room follow the link and reserve your experience today:
https://www.waterfordestate.co.za/reservations/tasting-room
For more information, contact chris@waterfordestate.co.za
