Waas, Rook en Spieels, Semillon
ORANGE / SOUTH AFRICA / NATURAL / ORGANIC / VEGAN / LOW SULPHITE
Easy drinking - Citrusy - Creamy texture
An easy way into orange wine and a dangerously easy to drink one too. In the glass it's light orange, with hints of pithy fruit and honey blossoms. There's a bit of texture but the tannins are very subtle and perfectly balanced by fresh notes of mandarin, apricots and creamy peaches. The finish is bright and acidic, leaving you wanting for more.
- Origin: Paarl, South Africa
- Producer: Rook en Spieels
- Vintage: 2025
- Grape varieties: Semillon
- Food pairings: Roasted vegetables, poultry, pork, shellfish and lean fish, goat's cheese
- Bottle size: 75cl
- ABV: 12%
Flavour profile
On the nose
Lifted citrus and stone fruit aromas come forward first, with mandarin zest, apricot skin and honey blossom notes. There’s a subtle hint of orange peel and pétale that speaks to the skin contact process.
On the palate
The palate is gently textured with soft tannins and creamy peach flesh, all supported by bright acidity. Flavours of ripe apricot, citrus pith and mandarin are balanced by a subtle spiced edge, finishing lively and moreish.
- Sweetness: Dry
- Body: Medium-bodied
- Tannins: Low
- Acidity: Medium
- Oak: None
- Primary flavours: Mandarin, apricot, peach, citrus peel, honey blossom
About the Winery
Rook en Spieels are part of a new generation of South African producers embracing alternative and low-intervention styles. Based in Paarl, they work with natural fermentation and skin contact techniques to reveal what the grapes and terroir can do without heavy manipulation. Daily punch-downs during maceration build gentle texture, and ageing in concrete eggs and vessels adds controlled oxygen exposure while keeping freshness and clarity front of mind.
About Semillon
Semillon is a versatile white grape with a long history in winemaking, most famously in dry whites and the sweet wines of Bordeaux. In its dry forms, it tends to show honeyed stone fruit, citrus and floral notes, with a richness that builds texture and depth. Skin contact amplifies this grape’s aromatic complexity and adds gentle grip without heaviness, making it ideal for expressive, orange wine styles that balance fruit intensity with refreshing acidity.
How to pair it
This textured, citrus-driven Semillon is very food-friendly. Serve it with roasted vegetables or warm salads, gently spiced poultry, shellfish like prawns or scallops, and lean fish cooked with citrus or herbs. It also works great with creamy goat’s cheese or light vegetarian dishes.
Delivery and returns
What are the delivery options?
- Local Delivery (E17, E10 postcodes): Free over £35
- Click & Collect: Free
- Standard Delivery: £8.95 (Free over £80)
Where can I get my order delivered?
- Local Delivery is available within London E17 and E10 postcodes.
- Click & Collect orders can be picked up at our shop located at 149 Forest Rd, E17 6HE.
When will my order arrive?
- Next day service is available for local and standard deliveries (subject to availability).
- All orders placed by midnight will be dispatched the next working day.
Why do I need to pay for returns?
- If returning your order by mail, the buyer is responsible for the return shipping cost.
- You may return your purchase within 30 days if you are unsatisfied for any reason.
How do I return my order?
- Free returns are available if you return your order to our store.
- If returning by mail, you may ship back the item using the carrier of your choice.
