Kanonkop Pinotage

If you have never tried the incredible wines this country produces, stop what you are doing and go buy some. Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Pinot Noir, the list goes on for quality wines. Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It is South Africa’s signature varietal and has made it’s on the map.

Kanonkop Estate, located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, was founded is 1973. The name Kanonkop is derived from a hillock (kop) on the Simonsberg mountain above the estate from where, during the 17th and 18th centuries, a cannon (kanon) was fired to announce the arrival of sailing ships entering Table Bay. The estate is currently being run by the 4th generation of the Krige family. The grapes were grown at the foothills of Simonsberg mountain. The area does not get a lot of rain so False Bay breezes provide cooling and moderating factors to slow down ripening and maximizes quality. Pinotage is the estate benchmark wine. They also produce high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wines are elegant and reflect Stellenbosch terroir. 60 year old bush vines are hand harvested with smaller yields resulting in high quality, concentrated flavors. The soils broken down granite rover time, clay and sand.

Kanonkop Pinotage 2017 is a deep ruby color. The nose is pronounced intensity with aromas of prunes, blackberry, forest floor, cocoa, bramble and spice. The palate is dry, full bodied and soft silky tannins. The flavors are pronounced-dark cherry mocha earth blackberry, tea, licorice, oak, green pepper with a long finish. This wine could easily age 5 years or more.

Pinotage is a heavy hitter and it begs to be enjoyed with grilled meat.

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