Lothian 'Isobel' Rosé 2016

Isobel was different. She had bearing. Poise. She commanded the room effortlessly, without intent. Perhaps it shouldn't have been a surprise when the genealogist knocked on the winery door and announced Isobel descended from royalty. He assured her he wanted nothing for the information, other than proof his findings were true.

They went with the age old test. But rather than a pea, they placed a ripe mourvèdre grape beneath Isobel's mattress. The following morning, there it was. Perfectly uncrushed. To mark the news, they turned the rest of the grapes to Rosé. A celebration of pomegranates, sweet anise and red fruits, as elegant and blushing as the princess herself.

Lothian Vineyards, established in 2004, is owned by the Wilson family. Originally from Scotland, the Wilsons are now in their third generation of grape growing and winemaking in the Cape.

Lothian specialises in cold climate Burgundian style wines on their 10 hectare vineyard, based in the Elgin highlands. Elgin is traditionally an apple growing area that is fast becoming known for its quality wines. It enjoys the famous Cape sunshine but also has the added benefit of high altitudes and proximity to the ocean.