Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Simonsberg sub-region of Stellenbosch is renowned for producing some of South Africa’s most distinctive wines, and Kanonkop’s Black Label Pinotage is no exception. The vineyards used for this wine are planted on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, where the soils consist mainly of decomposed granite and Hutton. These soils are well-drained and rich in minerals, enabling the vines to dig deep into the earth, producing concentrated and flavorful grapes.

The vines used for the Black Label Pinotage are 67 years old, some of the oldest Pinotage vines in South Africa. These dry-farmed vines, which rely solely on natural rainfall, yield only 2.8 tons per hectare, contributing to the wine's extraordinary intensity and complexity. The harsh growing conditions result in smaller berries with concentrated flavors, delivering a Pinotage that is both powerful and nuanced.

Winemaking

The Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage is made from 100% Pinotage, a variety uniquely South African in origin, created in 1925 as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented in open-top concrete fermenters, where the floating skins were punched down by hand every two hours to ensure optimal extraction of color, flavor, and tannins.

After just 3.5 days, the juice was drawn off the skins, and the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged for 18 months in 100% new 225L French Nevers oak barrels, which impart subtle layers of sweet spice and dark chocolate, enhancing the wine's complexity without overshadowing the fruit. With only 1,150 cases produced, the Black Label Pinotage is a rare and coveted wine, known for its bold character and impeccable balance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: A deep, intense purple hue, indicating concentration and richness.
• Aroma: A captivating blend of red and black cherries, dark plums, and sweet spices, with underlying notes of dark chocolate, dry earth, and cured meats, all contributing to the wine’s layered complexity.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet elegant, with velvety tannins supporting a core of luscious dark fruit. The oak is seamlessly integrated, adding structure and depth, while the finish is long and smooth, embodying the perfect balance of power and finesse.

Did you know?

Pinotage, the grape variety used in Kanonkop Black Label, is a uniquely South African creation. It was developed in 1925 by Professor Abraham Perold, who crossed Pinot Noir with Cinsaut (locally known as Hermitage). This hybrid grape was designed to combine the elegance of Pinot Noir with the robustness of Cinsaut, and today it is considered South Africa’s signature grape variety. The Black Label Pinotage is one of the finest expressions of this indigenous variety, made from some of the oldest Pinotage vines in the country.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Barbecued venison: The gamey flavors of venison pair beautifully with the wine’s dark fruit and smoky undertones, while the rich tannins complement the meat’s texture.
• Roast duck with berry sauce: The sweetness of the berry sauce enhances the fruitiness of the wine, while the wine’s structure holds up well against the richness of the duck.
• Aromatic curries: The complex spice notes in the wine, along with its bold fruit profile, make it an ideal match for flavorful curries.
• Pork belly: The wine’s velvety tannins and dark fruit flavors provide a perfect counterbalance to the rich, succulent texture of pork belly.

History of Kanonkop Estate

Kanonkop’s history dates back to the early 20th century when the farm was first acquired by Paul Sauer, who later became a leading figure in South African wine. The name “Kanonkop” refers to the hill (kop) from which a cannon (kanon) was fired in the 17th century to signal the arrival of ships in Table Bay. This historical connection highlights the estate’s deep roots in South Africa’s history.

For generations, the Sauer family has owned and managed the estate, with a focus on producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Simonsberg. Under the leadership of Abrie Beeslaar, the estate’s celebrated winemaker, Kanonkop has become synonymous with world-class Pinotage and has garnered numerous international accolades.

Region and Vineyards

Kanonkop is situated in the Simonsberg sub-region of Stellenbosch, an area famed for its ability to produce wines of great depth and complexity. The estate’s bush vines, many of which are between 30 and 70 years old, are planted on soils composed of decomposed granite and Hutton. These soils, along with the dry-farming practices employed at Kanonkop, result in low yields of concentrated fruit that give the wines their intense flavors.

The Simonsberg Mountain influences the estate’s microclimate, with cooler ocean breezes moderating the warm temperatures, allowing for slow ripening of the grapes. This balance between warm days and cool nights helps retain the grapes’ natural acidity, producing wines with both power and elegance.

Wine Range

Kanonkop’s wine range is focused on Pinotage and Bordeaux-style blends, both of which have garnered critical acclaim over the years. Their wines are known for their ageing potential and ability to reflect the terroir of the Simonsberg region.

• Pinotage: Kanonkop’s flagship wine, produced from old bush vines and aged in French oak. The estate’s Pinotage is revered as one of the finest examples of this South African variety, known for its rich dark fruit, spicy oak, and elegant tannins.
• Paul Sauer: A Bordeaux-style blend named after the estate’s founder. This wine is crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, offering a powerful yet refined structure with flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco.
• Kadette: A more accessible range that includes both Pinotage and Bordeaux blends, offering excellent value while maintaining the estate’s signature quality and style.

Did you know?

Kanonkop is often referred to as the "First Lady of South African wine," due to its pivotal role in establishing South Africa as a global wine producer. The estate’s Pinotage vines are among the oldest in the world, and the estate has been at the forefront of elevating the status of this unique South African varietal on the international stage.