Classic South African Pinotage from Piekenierskloof

The 2024 Piekenierskloof Pinotage is a bold and expressive red wine that perfectly represents South Africa’s signature grape variety. Made from 100% Pinotage, this wine showcases the depth, intensity and character that the high-altitude vineyards of Piekenierskloof can produce.

The wine reveals vibrant dark red fruit, ripe cherries and juicy plums, supported by a rich texture and structured tannins. Full-bodied and powerful, yet balanced with freshness, this Pinotage delivers excellent concentration and a long, satisfying finish.

This is a classic example of modern South African Pinotage, combining ripe fruit with subtle oak complexity.

Wine Overview

Producer: Piekenierskloof Wine Company
Vintage: 2024
Country: South Africa
Region: Piekenierskloof
Grape Variety: 100% Pinotage

Alcohol: 14.68%
Residual Sugar: 3.2 g/L
Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.67

Serving Temperature: 14–16°C
Cellaring Potential: 5–8 years

Tasting Notes

Aromas

Expressive aromas of dark berries, ripe cherries and plums, complemented by subtle oak and spice.

Palate

Full-bodied and rich with concentrated dark fruit flavours, supported by firm tannins and a layered texture.

Finish

Long and structured with persistent fruit and elegant oak influence.

Food Pairing

The bold structure and rich fruit of this Pinotage make it a perfect partner for hearty dishes.

Perfect with:

• Grilled beef steak

• Venison and game meat

• Kudu fillet

• Barbecue dishes

• Slow-cooked meat dishes

The wine’s depth and tannin structure allow it to pair beautifully with rich and flavourful cuisine.

Vineyard & Terroir – Piekenierskloof

The grapes are sourced predominantly from vineyards in the Piekenierskloof region, located in the Citrusdal Mountains about 50 kilometers north of Swartland.

These vineyards are dryland bush vines planted in 1987, growing on oakleaf and sandy loam soils. The vineyards are carefully managed to produce low yields of approximately 5 tons per hectare, resulting in concentrated fruit and excellent quality.

The Piekenierskloof plateau sits at around 750 meters above sea level, where warm sunny days and cool nights allow grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining natural acidity and developing complex flavours.

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

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed and cold soaked for 24 hours to enhance colour and flavour extraction.

Fermentation begins with selected yeast strains. The temperature is initially raised to 28°C to encourage extraction, before being reduced to 24°C to maintain balance and fruit purity. Regular pump-overs with oxygen are performed to maximise colour and flavour.

Malolactic fermentation takes place alongside alcoholic fermentation, ensuring a smooth and integrated structure.

After fermentation, the wine is pressed and transferred to 300-liter French oak barrels, of which 25% are new oak and the remainder older barrels. The wine is matured for 12 months before bottling, allowing the flavours to integrate and develop complexity.

Awards & Recognition

Previous vintages of Piekenierskloof Pinotage have received international recognition:

• Decanter World Wine Awards – 89 points

These accolades highlight the consistent quality and character of the winery’s Pinotage.

Why Choose Piekenierskloof Pinotage?

• Made from 100% Pinotage, South Africa’s signature grape

• Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Piekenierskloof

• Matured 12 months in French oak barrels

• Full-bodied wine with dark fruit and rich texture

• Perfect pairing for grilled meat and game dishes

FAQ – Piekenierskloof Pinotage