Kumusha Rosé of Cinsault, Slanghoek, Breedekloof, Western Cape, South Africa 2025

Kumusha Wines is the visionary project of Tinashe Nyamudoka, an award-winning Zimbabwean sommelier whose remarkable journey has become an inspiration for the wine industry. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tinashe moved to Cape Town in 2008 during his country's economic crisis with no knowledge of wine. Starting as a runner polishing cutlery at The Roundhouse Restaurant in Camps Bay, he discovered a passion for wine and climbed his way through the hospitality industry. Through dedication and education at the Cape Wine Academy and WSET, he earned positions at Nobu at the One & Only Hotel, the Oyster Box Hotel in Durban, and ultimately became head sommelier at the renowned Test Kitchen, one of Africa's finest restaurants, where he won the Eat Out Wine Service Award in 2016. In 2017, he launched Kumusha Wines with assistance from winemaker friend Attie Louw of Opstal Estate, beginning with just 1,200 cases that sold out in three months. Tinashe is also featured in the acclaimed documentary "Blind Ambition," which chronicles Team Zim's journey to the 2017 and 2018 World Blind Wine Tasting Championships, where they placed 14th, beating both Team USA and Team UK. The name Kumusha translates to "your home," "your roots," or "your origin" in the Zimbabwean Shona language, reflecting Tinashe's philosophy that the best wines honor their origins through a collaborative process that respects the vine, the winemaker, and the consumer.

• WINEMAKER: Tinashe Nyamudoka in collaboration with winemaker Attie Louw of Opstal Estate.
• FARMING: Certified Sustainable viticulture practices. Vegan-friendly production with no animal-derived fining agents used.
• VARIETY: 100% Cinsault from vines grown on sandstone and weathered shale soils.
• TERROIR: Slanghoek ward within the Breedekloof district, located in the picturesque Slanghoek Valley at elevations between 300 and 400 meters above sea level. The valley is surrounded by the majestic Slanghoek Mountains and positioned between the Du Toitskloof Mountains to the west and southwest. The unique geographic position creates a favorable microclimate influenced by afternoon shadows from the mountains, which shorten hot days and bring considerably colder evenings. The soils vary from sandy loam near river banks to rockier, well-drained mountain soils of sandstone and weathered shale composition. The 2024 vintage was notably short, ending earlier than usual, which allowed the Cinsault to rapidly accumulate highly concentrated fruit flavors that were captured by harvesting at optimal timing.
• VINIFICATION: Brief skin contact of a couple hours at pressing to extract delicate color. Extended cold settling followed by cool, slow-paced natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts to preserve freshness and bright fruit character.
• AGING: Two and a half months of rest on the lees in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling.
• TASTING NOTES: Aromas of bright red fruit with cherry and strawberry flavors taking center stage. Subtle notes of white florals and dry spice add character and complexity. The palate is bright and expressively juicy up front, with a very smooth and slightly savory mid-palate. The finish is long and round with vibrant acidity. A vibrant and harmonious wine showcasing bags of freshness and loads of bright, pure summer fruit flavors.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Best enjoyed with a meal to reveal all of its expressions. Pair with acidic dishes to enhance the wine's fruitfulness, or salty dishes to bring out the wine's weight and body on the palate. Excellent with light seafood, salads, grilled vegetables, charcuterie, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Through minimal intervention winemaking and natural fermentation, this rosé represents Tinashe's commitment to letting the wine speak freely of its origin, creating an unadulterated expression of terroir that is both approachable and expressive.