Kanonkop Wine Estate : Black Label Pinotage 2019

The richness and elegance of a great 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 Black Label Pinotage 2019 is a Western Cape wine made from the Simonsberg and Stellenbosch vineyards. The vines are 66 years old on average and rest 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 and the grapes showcase a high quality.

Vinification and ageing

Fermentation in concrete vats with regular manual punching of the cap. Maceration for three and a half days before malolactic fermentation. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (100% new).

The blend

Pinotage (100%).

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

The tasting

Colour
This wine showcases a beautiful purple colour.

Nose
The rich and expressive nose gives off fruity (red and black cherries, black plums) and floral (wild brambles) fragrances with savoury spicy and woody (oak) notes.

Palate
This wine seduces the palate with its subtle oak notes sustained by enfolding tannins and its perfect balance between elegance and complexity.

Cellaring

This South African red wine can be cellared until around 2035-2040.

Food and wine pairing

Curry, meats (barbecued venison, beef, pork belly), grilled fish (tuna) or roasted duck are all fine pairings for this Western Cape red wine.