Elegant Old Vine Cinsault from the Piekenierskloof Plateau

The 2023 Piekenierskloof Cinsault is a sophisticated South African red wine made from 100% Cinsault grown on old bush vines in the high-altitude vineyards of the Piekenierskloof plateau.

This elegant wine displays a deep ruby hue and concentrated character, with vibrant aromas of red berries, cherries and sweet dark spices. On the palate the wine is beautifully balanced, offering a velvety texture, lively fine tannins and refined complexity, leading to a long and graceful finish.

Fresh yet structured, this Cinsault showcases the purity of fruit and elegance that old bush vines from Piekenierskloof can deliver.

Wine Overview

Producer: Piekenierskloof Wine Company
Vintage: 2023
Country: South Africa
Region: Piekenierskloof
Grape Variety: 100% Cinsault

Alcohol: 14.27%
Residual Sugar: 3.1 g/L
Total Acidity: 5.2 g/L
pH: 3.57

Serving Temperature: 14–16°C
Cellaring Potential: 3–6 years

Tasting Notes

Aromas

Inviting aromas of red berries and ripe cherries, complemented by hints of sweet dark spices.

Palate

Smooth and velvety with layers of red fruit, spice and subtle complexity, supported by lively fine tannins.

Finish

Long and elegant with balanced freshness and lingering fruit character.

Food Pairing

Piekenierskloof Cinsault is a versatile and food-friendly red wine.

Perfect with:

• Mediterranean pasta dishes

• Baby marrow and tomato pasta with black olives

• Seafood and sushi

• Pizza and pasta

• Roast chicken and poultry dishes

Its elegant fruit profile and moderate tannins make it easy to pair with many dishes, especially Mediterranean cuisine.

Vineyard & Terroir – Piekenierskloof

The grapes come from old bush vine vineyards planted in 1976 in the Piekenierskloof region.

These vineyards are dryland, unirrigated bush vines growing on sandy loam soils. The vines are meticulously farmed and produce low yields of less than 5 tons per hectare, ensuring concentration and quality.

Located in the Citrusdal Mountains around 50 kilometers north of Swartland, the Piekenierskloof plateau sits at approximately 750 meters above sea level. Warm sunny days combined with cool nights allow grapes to ripen slowly, preserving freshness and developing complex flavours.

Many vineyards in the region consist of ungrafted bush vines planted since the 1960s, contributing depth and character to the wines of Piekenierskloof Wine Company.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a 12-hour cold soak to extract colour and aroma.

Fermentation is initiated with selected yeast strains and kept under 24°C to preserve fruit purity. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank, ensuring a smooth and balanced texture.

To add complexity, 50% of the wine is matured for eight months in older 300-liter French oak barrels, while the remaining portion stays in tank to preserve freshness and fruit expression.

Awards & Recognition

Previous vintages of Piekenierskloof Cinsault have received strong recognition from international wine competitions:

• Michelangelo International Wine Awards – Double Gold

• Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show – 90 points

• Tim Atkin South Africa Report – 87 points

• Platter’s South African Wine Guide – 4 Stars

These accolades highlight the consistent quality and character of Piekenierskloof Cinsault.

Why Choose Piekenierskloof Cinsault?

• Made from old bush vines planted in 1976

• High-altitude vineyards at 750 meters above sea level

• Elegant and food-friendly red wine

• Partial maturation in French oak barrels for complexity

• Balanced flavours of red berries, cherry and spice

FAQ – Piekenierskloof Cinsault