Smooth and Fruit-Forward Fairtrade Pinotage

The Six Hats Pinotage 2024 is a vibrant and approachable South African red wine produced by Piekenierskloof Wine Company. Made from 100% Pinotage, South Africa’s signature grape variety, this Fairtrade-certified wine combines bright fruit flavours with soft tannins and an easy-drinking style.

The wine shows lively notes of raspberry and black plum, complemented by subtle hints of nutmeg spice. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, it delivers a smooth texture with a fresh and fruit-driven finish.

This Pinotage is an excellent everyday red wine that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted dishes and casual meals.

Wine Overview

Producer: Piekenierskloof Wine Company
Wine: Six Hats Pinotage
Vintage: 2024
Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape

Grape Variety: 100% Pinotage

Alcohol: 14.5%
Residual Sugar: 2.5 g/L
Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
pH: 3.63

Serving Temperature: 14–16°C
Cellaring Potential: 3–5 years

Tasting Notes

Colour

Bright ruby red.

Aromas

Fresh aromas of raspberry and black plum, with subtle hints of spice.

Palate

Medium-bodied with vibrant fruit flavours, smooth texture and soft tannins.

Finish

Balanced and approachable with a lingering fruit-driven finish.

Food Pairing

Six Hats Pinotage is a versatile red wine that pairs easily with a wide range of dishes.

Perfect with:

• Roast chicken and poultry dishes

• Barbecued meats

• Burgers and grilled sausages

• Pizza and pasta

• Mediterranean-style cuisine

Its smooth tannins and bright fruit make it an ideal wine for everyday meals and casual dining.

Vineyard & Origin – Western Cape

The grapes are predominantly sourced from Fairtrade-certified vineyards in the Swartland region of the Western Cape.

These 16 to 20-year-old trellised vineyards grow on red oakleaf soils with gravel subsoils, providing ideal conditions for healthy vine growth and balanced fruit development.

The vineyards are carefully managed with yields kept below 7 tons per hectare, ensuring good fruit concentration and quality.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo an overnight cold soak to enhance colour and flavour extraction.

Fermentation begins with selected yeast strains and takes place at controlled temperatures of around 24°C, with regular pump-overs to extract colour and flavour.

Malolactic fermentation occurs during fermentation and is completed with the use of French oak staves. The wine is then matured for six months in older 300-liter French oak barrels before bottling, adding subtle complexity while maintaining the fresh fruit character.

Awards & Recognition

Previous vintages of Six Hats Pinotage have received recognition at international wine competitions:

• Michelangelo International Wine Awards – Gold Medal (2020 vintage)

• Michelangelo International Wine Awards – Gold Medal (2021 vintage)

These awards highlight the consistent quality and approachable style of Six Hats Pinotage.

The Story Behind Six Hats

The Six Hats range is built around six core principles that guide the philosophy of the wines:

• Partnership

• Potential

• Change

• Equity

• Dignity

• Sustainability

These principles reflect the commitment of Piekenierskloof Wine Company to responsible winemaking and community development.

As a registered Fairtrade producer, minimum prices are guaranteed for grapes and a portion of the wine sales is reinvested into local communities. These funds support projects such as schools, healthcare clinics and infrastructure improvements, helping improve the lives of vineyard workers and their families.

Why Choose Six Hats Pinotage?

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

• Fairtrade-certified wine supporting community projects

• Smooth and fruit-forward with raspberry and plum flavours

• Matured in French oak barrels for added complexity

• Perfect with barbecue, poultry and everyday dishes

FAQ – Six Hats Pinotage