I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Pinotage Root in Stellenbosch. The Pinotage Root consists of four of South Africa’s iconic Pinotage producers, all part of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, who have joined forces to create the Pinotage Root of South Africa. This is the first wine experience, specifically focused on the Pinotage grape – a varietal, which has become synonymous with the South African wine industry.

The Pinotage Root

The four partcipating wine farms are part of the lexicon of premier South African wines. Simonsig Estate, Kanonkop, Beyerskloof and L’Avenir, make up the Pinotage Root. They are all recognised as the crème de la crème of Pinotage producers. Not only have these wineries been top performers in the history of the Top 10 Pinotage Competition but they all play a major role, in promoting South Africa’s Pinotage pedigree.

The idea behind the Pinotage Root, was to create a unique experience for wine lovers. More specficially wine lovers, who wish to focus on wines made from the country’s best-known, indigenous grape variety – Pinotage!

“As a collective, these four wineries are a showcase of the degree of excellence found within the boundaries of the Stellenbosch wine region, and represent one example of why Stellenbosch is deemed as South Africa’s leading wine region in terms of diversity of terroir and wine offering as well as pure excellence,” ~Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes

The relative close proximity of the L’Avenir, Kanonkop, Simonsig and Beyerskloof allows visitor easy access to the best Pinotage wines in South Africa, all within a day-trip. Each farm will be offering visitors a selection of five Pinotage wines from their cellars, with various culinary offerings, varying from snacks to gourmet restaurant meals laid on.

L’Avenir

The day started out cold and wet, which could not have been more perfect for red wine drinking! We began our Pinotage Root experience at one of my favourite farms in the area, L’Avenir Estate. L’Avenir has been awarded the ABSA’s Top 10 Pinotage trophy, eight times, making it one of the most awarded Pinotage estates in South Africa.

Having started out on the “Root” quite early in the morning, made it quite a novel experience, especially having cheese and wine for breakfast! Our first tasting at L’Avenir, although not a red wine, as such, was their elegant Brut Rose. A gorgeous pink Rose MCC, which among other varietals contains 25% Pinotage grapes – making it the perfect summer tipple. The MCC is wonderfully fruity, with a crisp finish.

Included in our tasting at L’Avenir was their 2015 Rose, the 2014 Far and Near Pinotage, the Provenance Pinotage and the 2013 Single Block Pinotage. They were all lovely but if I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be the 2013 Single Block Pino. Although a young wine, which would be better matured for a few years, I still thought it was delicious. I loved the full-bodied structure and dynamic rich fruit flavours.

To complement our wine tasting, L’Avenir had a selection of local cheeses for us to enjoy. Great red wine and delicious cheese, in my opinion, are a match made in heaven!

As part of the Pinotage Root L’Avenir offer the following food options:

• A pairing of 3 styles of biltong @ R30.00 per person
• Picnic basket for 2{including a bottle pf wine from the Far&Near range} @ R300.00 pp
• Cheese Platter for 2 @ R120

Kanonkop

The next stop on our tour was Kanonkop, a fourth generation farm, which was originally purchased in 1904. Although familiar with their wine, this was my first time visiting the farm.

After a brief introduction and a bit of background on the farm and wine-makers, we got started on the tasting. The first wine we tasted was the Kanonkop 2015 Kadette Rose, which is a full-bodied dry rose. It is wonderfully fruity with a hint of vanilla spice – a lovely summer wine, which would pair really well with sushi.

We then moved onto the reds. Our tasting consisted of the Kadette Cape Blend, the Kadette 2013 Pinotage, the Kanonkop 2013 Pinotage, as well as their Vintage Pinotage, which has been aged for 10 years.

My favourite was the 2013 Kanonkop Pino, which was first bottle on the farm in 1973{my birth year – it must be a sign!}. It is a complex wine, with flavours of red and black fruit. Again this wine will mature well in the bottle, for at least 20 years.

Simonsig

Next up was another favourite of mine, Simonsig! We were welcomed with a glass of Kaapse Vonkel on arrival – who could resist!

Before our Pinotage tasting, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Cuvée, the estates signature restaurant. For main course I decided on the Grass-fed Beef Sirloin, with Celeriac Puree, Leeks, Garlic and a Truffle and Veal Jus. It was utterly delicious and perfect choice for the cold weather. My beef was paired with the Redhill Pinotage, which complemented the meal beautifully.

For desert I could not resist the sound of the Lemon Tart, with Coriander,White Sesame, Roasted Coconut and Lemongrass and Coconut Sorbet. One word – SUBLIME!

After lunch we moved into the tasting room for our Pinotage tasting. The first wine we tasted was the 2013 Pinotage – a full flavoured wine, with berry fruit aromas and flavours. We then tasted the Frans Malan, which is a full-bodied red blend, consisting of 60% Pinotage, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. My favourite Simonsig Pinotage is the 2012 Redhill Pinotage, which I drank with lunch. This award winning pino has a deep intensity, with perfumed berry and plum fruit flavours.

As part of the Pinotage Root experience, Simonsig offer a Two Course lunch with wine @ R250.00 per person.

Beyerskloof

Last but not least we visited the iconic Beyerskloof Estate. Beyerskloof, if memory serves me correctly, was the first Pinotage I ever drank! It is definitey a brand, which has become synonymous, with Pinotage in SA.

The commitment and passion of award winning winemaker, Beyers Truter, has earned Beyerskloof, local and international acclaim!

When we visited the farm, it was actually officially closed for renovations, which include a stunning new deck area. I cannot wait to see once it has been completed!

The first two wines we tasted were the Beyerskloof Chenin Blanc an the 2014 Pinotage Dry Rose. Next up was the iconic 2014 Beyerskloof Pinotage, which as I mentioned was the first ever pinotage wine, I drank. We also tasted the Synergy Cape Blend, which is 40% Pinotgae, 29% Cabernet and 29% Merlot. My favourite tasting was next, the Pinotage Reserve, which is matured in oak barrels, for 12 months.

We also had the treat of tasting the Beyerskloof Lagare, which is a port style wine – I think it would be perfect for cold winter evenings! Another treat was sampling the Estates Pinotage Salami – you can honestly say Beyerskloof is all things Pinotage!

As part of the Pinotage Root experience, Beyerskloof offer a Two Course lunch with wine @ R180.00 per person.

Details & Location:

This was such a great experience, especially if like me, you love red wine! I highly recommend you give it a try! You can tailor make your experience, visit the four wine farms and choose where you would like to stop for lunch. The Pinotage Root departs from the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Vistors centre at 10 am and arrives back at 4.15pm. Transport and wine tasting is R620 pp for 2 and R470 pp for 3 or more. So it is a great idea to get a group of people together and enjoy the experience together!

For more information, call 021 886 4310, or [email protected]. Stay connected and visit their Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter.

Images: All images in exception to certain of the Beyerskloof images are ©Inspired Living.

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