Franschhoek, South Africa — Chamonix Wine Estate has released its 2026 Pinot Noir Rosé, a vibrant, Provençal-style wine that captures both the exceptional quality of the vintage and the estate’s long-established reputation for producing some of South Africa’s finest Pinot Noir.
Crafted exclusively from estate-grown Pinot Noir vineyards nestled on the slopes of the Franschhoek mountains, the new release offers a fresh expression of one of the Cape’s most exciting vintages while reaffirming Chamonix’s expertise with this celebrated Burgundian variety.
According to winemaker Neil Bruwer, the Pinot Noir Rosé was introduced five years ago in response to the growing popularity of premium dry rosé wines, both locally and internationally.
“Rosé has become one of the world’s most exciting wine categories,” says Bruwer. “Consumers are increasingly seeking elegant, dry rosés with freshness, complexity and real varietal character. As specialists in Pinot Noir, it was a natural progression for Chamonix to create a Provençal-style rosé that complements our range of red Pinot Noirs while showcasing another beautiful expression of the variety.”
Pinot Noir’s naturally bright fruit profile and layered complexity make it ideally suited to rosé, delivering a wine with vibrant energy, subtle texture and remarkable drinkability.
A Vintage of Precision
Although the 2026 harvest arrived around two weeks earlier than usual, the growing season produced fruit of exceptional quality, with naturally high acidity, low pH levels and excellent varietal expression.
To preserve freshness and elegance, the grapes were harvested at approximately 21° Balling, the ideal ripeness for a refined, dry rosé. Each bunch was hand-sorted before gently pressed, with only the free-run juice used for the wine. Brief skin contact imparted its delicate salmon-pink hue before fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures.
The wine then spent three months on its lees, adding texture and complexity while preserving the vibrant fruit character that defines the style.
Fresh, Elegant and Distinctively Chamonix
For Bruwer, appearance plays an important role in the enjoyment of rosé.
“People first experience rosé with their eyes,” he says. “Our Pinot Noir Rosé displays the classic pale salmon and onion-skin colour associated with premium Provençal-style rosés.”
The wine opens with delicate floral aromas, subtle fresh herbs and red berry notes before revealing a palate that is crisp, bone dry and beautifully balanced. Layers of strawberry, damson plum and red apple are complemented by lively natural acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.
“It’s the kind of wine that naturally invites another glass,” says Bruwer. “Elegant, vibrant and effortlessly drinkable, it captures everything we love about Pinot Noir and everything consumers are looking for in a premium rosé.”
Whether enjoyed on a warm summer afternoon, paired with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine or shared around the table with friends, the Chamonix Pinot Noir Rosé 2026 offers a stylish expression of Franschhoek terroir and a promising glimpse into what is shaping up to be an exceptional vintage for the estate.
