Red Blend
OUPA WILLEM 2020
     R435 per bottle

OUPA WILLEM 2020 — Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is Naudé Oupa Willem 2020?
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Oupa Willem 2020 is a premium South African red blend from Naudé Wines — 82% Cinsault, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, sourced from bush vine Cinsault in Darling and Cabernet from Stellenbosch. Now in its third vintage, it's a Cape Heritage Blend made with minimal intervention and 40% whole-bunch natural fermentation, built to be enjoyed now or cellared for decades. It has been strongly received by critics, scoring 96+ points from Master of Wine Greg Sherwood, 17.5 from JancisRobinson.com, 93 from Neal Martin, and 4.5 stars in Platter's Wine Guide 2024.

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2. Why is it called Oupa Willem?
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Oupa Willem is named after Ian Naudé's grandfather — Oupa being Afrikaans for grandfather. Ian never had the chance to meet him, but grew up hearing stories, including that his horse and dog always came first, and the rest of the world second. The wine is Ian's tribute to that spirit: a classic Cinsault and Cabernet Sauvignon-style blend in the tradition of South African reds from the 1960s and '70s, many of which are still ageing gracefully and drinking beautifully today. Naming the wine after his grandfather reflects Ian's belief that this heritage style deserves to be preserved rather than lost, and that Oupa Willem's spirit and stories live on in the bottle.

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3. What does Naudé Oupa Willem 2020 taste like?
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In the glass, it shows bright, translucent red cherry and ruby red plum clarity. The nose is lifted and perfumed, with sun-raisined cranberry, red cherries, smoky sandalwood, a touch of nori seaweed, sweet cedar spice, fynbos, and a dusty crushed granite and graphite minerality. The palate is tart, fresh and sweetly fruited, with a tangy intensity that belies its modest 11.5% alcohol. Fine-grained, powdery tannins are balanced by juicy red summer berries, with hints of marzipan and a subtle kiss of Turkish delight on the finish.

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4. Where do the grapes for Oupa Willem 2020 come from?
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The blend draws on two distinct sites in the Western Cape: bush vine Cinsault from Darling, grown on decomposed sandstone and sandy soils, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Stellenbosch. This combination of old-style Darling Cinsault — the backbone of many classic Cape blends from decades past — with structured Stellenbosch Cabernet gives the wine both its lifted, fragrant fruit character and its firmer tannic frame.

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5. Is Naudé Oupa Willem 2020 dry, and can it age?
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Yes, it's a dry red at 1.9 g/L residual sugar, with 6.0 g/L acidity and a pH of 3.39 giving it real freshness and backbone. Ian Naudé believes this Cape Heritage Blend will stand the test of time, and critics agree — Greg Sherwood MW noted its potential to improve in bottle for 20+ years. It's approachable now, but built with the structure and acidity of the classic Cinsault-Cabernet blends it's inspired by, which are known to age gracefully for decades.

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6. How is Naudé Oupa Willem 2020 made?
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Oupa Willem 2020 is made with the same minimal-intervention philosophy that runs through the whole Naudé range. The wine is fermented naturally using 40% whole bunches, a technique that adds freshness, fine-grained tannin structure and aromatic lift without heavy extraction. Beyond a small addition of sulphites for stability, nothing else is added — the wine is shaped by the vineyards and the vintage rather than by cellar intervention.

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7. What food pairs well with Naudé Oupa Willem 2020?
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Its bright acidity, fine tannins and red berry fruit make it a versatile match for the table. It pairs well with roast or grilled lamb and beef, game dishes, duck, and richer poultry preparations. Its freshness also suits Mediterranean-style dishes with tomato and herbs, cured meats and charcuterie, and semi-hard cheeses — while its lighter alcohol and juicy fruit keep it approachable enough to enjoy on its own, slightly chilled, on a warm evening.

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8. What have critics said about Naudé Oupa Willem 2020?
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The 2020 vintage has drawn some of the strongest reviews of any Oupa Willem release. Master of Wine Greg Sherwood scored it 96+ points, calling it a tremendous, finely crafted effort and a cellar-worthy Cape heritage blend that will stand the test of time. It also earned 17.5 points from JancisRobinson.com, 93 points from Neal Martin, and 4.5 stars in Platter's Wine Guide 2024 — placing it firmly among the most acclaimed Cinsault-led red blends coming out of the Western Cape.

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9. Where can I buy Naudé Oupa Willem 2020?
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Oupa Willem 2020 is available directly from our online shop at R435 per bottle, with international shipping available on request. For direct enquiries, contact the team at hello@naudewines.co.za or call +27 (0)72 914 3359.