“Pinotage is not for sissies”, words Jan Boland Coetzee will use to explain the challenges of Pinotage to other winemakers. It was these challenges and the exposure to great old vines baring unique grapes that started this love affair with Pinotage. If you are lucky enough to have the right terroir and put in the effort that Pinotage deserves, there is no wine more rewarding.

Produced by Abrie Beeslaar.




Click on the images for a high-res version.

THE 2012 PINOTAGE

Vintage 2012 was shaped by a very dry winter (200mm below average), and a cooler than usual growing season. December was 2 °C below long term average. This caused more subtle and intense flavour development in berries. Far less wind damage than usual, meant less compensatory green growth and better bunch formation.

A mid-January heatwave caused rapid sugar development and grapes were harvested a week earlier than normal. Fermentation took place in open-top concrete fermenters with punch downs performed every 2 hours. The wine was aged for 17 months in French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% second fill. This wine has an intense dark colour, an abundance of cherry and dark fruit on the nose, and a rich, savoury palate.

THE FACTS

  • 14.5% Alc Vol
  • W.O. STELLENBOSCH
  • WINE OF SOUTH AFRICA
  • Best to drink from 2014 onwards
  • Total Production: 4700 bottles

CONTACT

(C) +27 84 255 8686
(C) +27 83 663 3256
(E) info@beeslaar.co.za


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