Stellenrust Cornerstone Pinotage
Stellenrust Cornerstone Pinotage - Crafted from some of the best Pinotage grapes of Stellenbosch we have set out on the journey of creating deeper primary fruit-driven wines out of this complex varietal and discovering its ultimate complex epitome.
Pinotage still forms the Cornerstone of South Africa’s wine industry although Chenin blanc is giving it a good run for its money.
In the vineyards:
Grapes for this wine are harvested from a 54-year-old bush vine from the Bottelary property. Low yields increase fruit intensity and depth of flavor. These old vine gems have slower ripening cycles delivering more mature fruit and a distinct chalky finish generated from a mix of granite and red clay.
In the cellar:
Grapes are picked between 25 and 26 Balling, crushed, and allowed cold maceration for 24 – 48 hours. It is inoculated with French yeast strains and fermented in open concrete tanks with manual punch down of the cap every two hours for another 4-5 days.
The wine is then drained from the skins and further fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. After fermentation has been completed, it is matured in 100% French oak over a period of 12-14 months.
Tasting notes: This wine offers raspberry, ripe peach, and black cherry flavors with subtle oak nuances, a warm succulent palate, and a delicate lingering sweet and sour finish with lifted acidity.
Foodpairing:
A great partner to spicy food such as Thai green curries or traditional Cape Malay bobotie.