Reign of Terroir Pinotage

Pinotage is a grape variety that was created in South Africa in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. It was made up of Pinot Noir and Hermitage and has come to be one of South Africa’s most notorious varietals.

The first commercial plantings of Pinotage were in 1941 on the Myrtle Grove Estate – where Journeys End and Mount Rozier vineyards now stand. The sheep (humorously placed as heads on human bodies) are elements of the Swartland. As well as wine production, the Swartland region is big on sheep farming.

Technical Notes

Our Pinotage is produced from vines planted in 1987 on Shale and Quartz soils, underpinned by ‘red oak’ leaves. Sustainably farmed on what has traditionally been a harsh, arid climate this wine has undergone a period of oak maturation for added complexity under the care of winemaker Ben Jordaan. This is a moreish fruit driven wine with layers of berry fruits and hints of oak and good acidity.