Dorper Pinotage, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2022

This is a refreshing take on our local South African grape, with a clear focus on elegance. On the nose aromas of red current and cherry make way for a brooding savouriness, nicely held together by subtle sweet spice notes. On the palate, the wine is understated but not simple, characterised by a lingering finish backed up by a firm grip and plenty of red fruit freshness.

Dorper Pinotage is the product of a collaborative project between winemaker Reg Holder and viticulturist Etienne Terblanche. The sole mission of this project is rooted in exploring the largely unlocked potential of Pinotage in its hometown, Stellenbosch.

Fruit is sourced from various old vine parcels located on the granite soils of the Simonsberg and Helderberg mountains. Grapes were picked at various ripeness levels in order to harness the freshness from earlier pickings and the flavour from later pickings. In the winery, the Pinotage grapes were naturally fermented in open top fermenters, with regular punch downs during fermentation. Ageing was done for 12 months in old casks of various sizes before bottling followed by further bottle ageing for 9 months prior to release.