Kanonkop Wine Estate : Pinotage 2019

The aromatic palette and refinement of a South African red wine

The estate

Founded in 1910 by the Sauer family, the family-owned Kanonkop Wine Estate takes its name from a famous hillock (kop) on Simonsberg Mountain from which a cannon shot (Kanon) was fired in the 17th and 18th centuries to signal the approach of sailing ships to Table Bay, so that local farmers could then come to the port 50 kilometres away and sell their fruit and vegetable produce.

The estate's first wines were made in 1973 under the impetus of Paul Sauer, a politician who was part of the South African parliament for 41 years, whose ambition was to produce fine South African wines.

Under the leadership of the brothers Johann and Paul Krige, the fourth generation continues to produce wines that are recognised beyond the country’s borders for their pure and refined expression of the identity of Stellenbosch, the emblematic appellation of the Western Cape region.

The vineyard

Kanonkop Wine Estate's Pinotage 2019 is a Western Cape wine made from the Simonsberg and Stellenbosch vineyards. The vines are 32 to 66 years old on average and are planted on soils composed partly of decomposed granite.

The vintage

2019 follows three particularly dry years. Despite the heavy rainfall throughout this vintage and relatively cool conditions, yields remain low but the grapes showcase a high quality.

Vinification and ageing

Fermentation in concrete vats with regular manual punching of the cap. Maceration for three days before malolactic fermentation. Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels (80% new, 20% second-fill).

The blend

Pinotage (100%).

Kanonkop Wine Estate’s 2019 Pinotage: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour
A beautiful ruby colour.

Nose
The complex nose gives off fruity fragrances (blueberries, plums, black cherries) but also spicy (cinnamon) and vanilla notes.

Palate
The ample and suave palate blends fruity aromas (berry compote, plum pie) with subtle notes of spices and wild bramble. The palate reveals a dense and generous texture sustained by particularly fine tannins. The finish is persistent and elegant with a spicy and fruity expression (black cherries).

Cellaring

This South African red wine can be cellared until around 2034.

Food and wine pairing

Spicy Asian dishes, meat (deer), duck or fish will all complement this South African red wine.