Kanonkop Pinotage 2022

Region and Vineyards

The wine hails from the Simonsberg subregion of Stellenbosch, a site renowned for producing some of South Africa's finest red wines. The vines, aged between 33 and 68 years, are dry-farmed bush vines, ensuring low yields and concentrated fruit expression. With a yield of just 5 tons per hectare, the grapes achieve impressive intensity and balance.

The soils are a mix of decomposed granite and Hutton formations, known for providing excellent drainage and a firm mineral backbone. These conditions, paired with the maritime influence of the Cape, create the perfect environment for Pinotage to thrive with ripeness, freshness, and structure.

Winemaking

The grapes were harvested in 2022, a vintage notable for being the latest in 25 years, with budbreak and ripening delayed by about two weeks due to a properly cold and rainy winter. This extended season led to slow ripening and enhanced concentration in the fruit.

Fermentation took place in open-top concrete fermenters at 28 °C, with manual punch-downs every two hours for optimal extraction. After three days, the juice was drawn off the skins. Malolactic fermentation followed, and the wine was matured for 18 months in 225 L French oak barrels (80 % new, 20 % second-fill). This careful use of oak imparted depth, spice, and polish without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Opaque purple-red, rich and dense.
• Aroma: Bold plums, blackberries, and mulberries, accented by vanilla, smoky tones, and roasted nuts.
• Palate: Concentrated layers of plums, cherries, figs, pomegranate, and blackberries, framed by dark chocolate and spicy oak. The texture is creamy, with plush tannins and lively acidity, leading to a long, balanced, and promising finish.

Did you know?

Pinotage, a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, was created in South Africa in 1925 and has since become the country's signature red grape. Kanonkop is often called the "King of Pinotage," having elevated the variety's reputation worldwide through meticulous vineyard practices and age-worthy, world-class bottlings.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Spicy Asian-style dishes: The fruit intensity and supple tannins complement chili heat and aromatic spices.
• Venison: Gamey richness is elevated by the wine's dark fruit and smoky depth.
• Duck breast with cherry glaze: The sweet-sour sauce echoes the fruit profile, while the wine's acidity cuts through the fat.
• Seared game fish: The smoky undertones and freshness align beautifully with meaty fish dishes.

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.