Pinotage

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape variety: Pinotage

Background: Coffee-style Pinotage is a unique and proudly South African innovation. The combination of well toasted oak for a few months and the characteristic Pinotage fruit flavours, create a style of red wine that has richly layered coffee and chocolate flavours, balanced by ripe red berry fruit. This style has attracted an enormous following in South Africa and abroad in recent years. Hence the name being a play on the words pinotage and cappuccino, the espresso-based coffee drink originating from Italy.

Tasting notes: Cappuccino by name, Cappuccino by nature. Michelangelo Awards – Double Gold and the Toneleria Nacional. (Coffee style Pinotage)

This wine displays layers of dark prune, plum and ripe blueberry flavours, with a prominent toasted French oak finish, reminiscent of Mocha Java ground coffee. Due to the careful extraction of Pinotage fruit flavours, the oak is well integrated and delivers a wine with a delightfully smooth and lingering finish.

Award: Platters 2023 - 3 stars

Region: South Africa, Tulbagh

Grape variety: Pinotage

Winemaking process: Grapes were night-harvested, picked by hand to retain flavours. A 48-hour cold maceration period was given prior to fermentation to extract colour and fruit. Extraction during fermentation took place by pumping the juice over the skins 3 times per day. Skins were gently pressed before fermented dry. MLF took place in barrels. Matured for 20 months in 20% 2nd fill, 40% 3rd fill, and 40% 4th fill French oak barrels.

Tasting notes: Aromas of cranberry and subtle hints of mulberry and vanilla spice. The lively palate is rich and creamy and finishes with smooth and well-matured tannins.

Intense dark red coloured wine. Aromas of black currant and mulberry, with underlying cherry and fynbos nuances on the nose. These diverse aromas carry through onto a rich, velvety, complex palate supported by layers of well-rounded tannins. The gentle presence of oak on the nose and palate supports this delicious Pinotage.

Region: South Africa, Tulbagh

Grape variety: Pinotage

Background: Special Reserve selection from 15 of the finest barrels.

Winemaking process: Grapes were night harvested and picked by hand to retain flavours. A 48-hour cold maceration period was given prior to fermentation to extract colour and fruit. Extraction during fermentation took place by doing manual punch downs 3 times per day. Skins were gently pressed before fermented dry. MLF took place in barrels, after which it was matured for 22 months in 60% new and 40% 2nd fill French oak barrels. This wine was made by blending a strict selection of the finest 20 barrels.

Tasting notes: This wine has a multi-layered fruit spectrum, which ranges from ripe red fruit aromas to spicy elegance and a blackberry richness. These expressive aromas carry through onto a rich, creamy palate where it lingers for moments after. The 2016 shows the power of the vintage, without compromising elegance and finesse. Silky, well-integrated and graphite tannins ensure excellent longevity.

Region: South Africa, Tulbagh

Grape variety: Pinotage

Winemaking process: Grapes were night harvested and picked by hand to retain flavours. A 48-hour cold maceration period was given prior to fermentation to extract colour and fruit. Extraction during fermentation took place by doing manual punch downs 3 times per day. Skins were gently pressed before fermented dry. MLF took place in barrels. Matured for 22 months in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels. A total of 40% new, 30% 2nd fill and 30% 3rd fill barrels were used for ageing.

Tasting notes: This dark red coloured wine has elegant red fruit aromas of cherry, strawberry and cranberry on the nose.

This deep coloured wine shows intense black cherry, red current and slight notes of cloves on the nose. Beautiful floral tones followed by layers of dark fruits and sweet tobacco. The palate is balanced between a dense core of fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. The finish is long and pure with delicate wood spice rounding off this exceptional Pinotage.