A Bold and Structured Tannat from Piekenierskloof

The 2024 Piekenierskloof Tannat is a powerful and characterful red wine made from 100% Tannat, a grape known for its deep colour, firm tannins and excellent ageing potential.

This wine presents a beautiful balance between red and black fruit flavours, supported by notes of buchu, warm spice and subtle toasted oak. The palate is rich and structured with firm tannins and impressive depth, making it a perfect choice for lovers of bold, food-friendly red wines.

Often described as “Piekenierskloof’s little Cabernet”, this Tannat combines intensity with elegance and showcases the potential of this grape variety in South Africa.

Wine Overview

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

Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 2.9 g/L
Total Acidity: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.37

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Cellaring Potential: 8–10 years

Tasting Notes

Aromas

Aromatic notes of red berries and dark fruit, combined with hints of buchu, spice and toasted oak.

Palate

Full-bodied and structured with layers of black fruit and spice supported by firm, well-balanced tannins.

Finish

Long and powerful with elegant structure and lingering complexity.

Food Pairing

The firm tannins and rich structure of this Tannat make it a perfect partner for hearty dishes.

Excellent with:

• Grilled beef steak

• Venison and game meat

• Kudu fillet

• Barbecue dishes

• Slow-cooked beef and lamb

Its structure and depth allow it to pair beautifully with rich meats and robust flavours.

Vineyard & Terroir – Piekenierskloof

This Tannat comes from a single bush vine vineyard on a north-facing slope on the farm Heidedal in the Piekenierskloof region.

Originally from Madiran in southwest France and widely planted in Uruguay, Tannat is known for its intense colour, bold flavour and natural tannin structure. It ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and is highly drought-resistant, making it well suited to the conditions of Piekenierskloof.

The vineyard is located on the Piekenierskloof plateau at around 750 meters above sea level, where warm sunny days and cool nights allow grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining freshness and developing complex fruit flavours.

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

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a 24-hour cold soak to extract colour and aromatic intensity.

Fermentation takes place with selected yeast strains at controlled temperatures below 26°C. During fermentation the wine receives regular pump-overs with splashing, ensuring optimal colour, flavour extraction and oxygen integration.

Malolactic fermentation is carried out through co-inoculation with alcoholic fermentation, helping to soften the wine’s structure.

The wine is then matured for 12 months in older 225-liter French oak barrels, allowing the fruit to remain the focus while adding subtle complexity.

Awards & Recognition

Previous vintages of Piekenierskloof Tannat have received strong international recognition:

• Novare South African Terroir Awards – National Winner

• Tim Atkin South Africa Report – 92 Points

These accolades highlight the outstanding quality and character of Piekenierskloof Tannat.

Why Choose Piekenierskloof Tannat?

• Made from a single bush vine vineyard

• Structured red wine with firm tannins and dark fruit

• Matured 12 months in French oak barrels

• Excellent ageing potential of 8–10 years

• Perfect with beef, venison and game dishes

FAQ – Piekenierskloof Tannat