Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2019

TASTING NOTES Deep purple in colour, with rich and layered flavours of red and black cherries, dark plums, wild bramble fruit with subtle sweet spice and oak undertones. The seamlessly integrated oak and velvety tannins add firm support and structure to the sultry fruit core. The perfect balance of elegance and complexity- iron fist in a velvet glove! 

VINTAGE CONDITIONS The carry-over effect of the previous three year’s drought was still visible in this vintage, despite the higher rainfall during the season, and it delivered a smaller crop, but of high quality. Despite the relative low water stress, the cool weather contributed to smaller berries, and less irrigation was needed in this growing season.

WINEMAKING / MATURATION Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters. The floating skins were punched down by hand, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3.5 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 18 months in 100% new 225L French Nevers oak barrels.

ALC 13.59% | RS 3.6 g/l | TA 5.1 g/l | pH 4.07 | FREE SO2 41 mg/l | TOTAL SO2 92 mg/l | VA 0.78 g/l

WINEMAKER Abrie Beeslaar

COMPOSITION 100% Pinotage ORIGIN Simonsberg, Stellenbosch AGE OF VINES 66 years

IRRIGATION None – dry land vineyards SOIL TYPE Decomposed Granite and Hutton YIELD 2.8 tons per hectare

AGEING POTENTIAL 15 to 20 years from vintage

PRODUCTION VOLUME 1150 cases (6 x 750ml)

FOOD PAIRING Aromatic curries | Barbequed venison and beef | Grilled game fish like tuna or snoek | Roast duck with berry sauce | Pork belly