Groot Constantia Pinotage 2022

Groot Constantia Pinotage, Constantia, Western Cape, South Africa, 2022  

Grape variety: 100% Pinotage with 12 months' ageing in 40% new French oak barrels (20% each in 2nd/3rd/4th fill casks). 

Groot Constantia is South Africa's oldest estate and one of South Africa's most visited tourist attractions. In 1685, Cape Governor Simon van der Stel built a farm in the foothills of Table Mountain, which he named Constantia.

The vineyards, which are cultivated sustainably, are located on the steep valley on the eastern side of Table Mountain and the estate now covers 165ha. All the vineyards slopes for this wine are south to south east facing at an altitude of between 39 and 165 metres above sea level, enjoying a Mediterranean style climate with cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.

This Pinotage has aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry combining with black cherry and plum while delicate use of French oak adds a hint of cacao. The bold, ripe fruit flavours follow on the palate and the fine tannin structure ensures a long, elegant finish.

The 2022 wines show striking colour and flavour expression, due to a generally cooler season that allowed gradual ripening and balancing acidity.

Serve with marinated meats that are smoked, or made on the braai/barbecue, beef bobotie, curried lamb knuckle potjie, as well as tomato based dishes.