Country of Origin: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Type: Red Wine
Grape Variety: Pinotage
Vintage: 2021
Size: 750ml
Alcohol Volume / ABV: 14.%
Body: Medium
Sweetness: Dry
Why We Love This Wine
The Swartland Wine Cooperative was established in 1948 so that the different independent grape growers in the area could deliver & press their own grapes. The 1st Chairman of the newly formed cooperative donated 4 hectares of his own Doornkuil farm to be utilized for the developing winery. The Swartland Winery, which has evolved through the years from a Cooperative Cellar to a privately owned wine company, is situated roughly 70 kilometers north of Cape Town and 3 kilometers outside of the town of Malmesbury, where wine farms are spread out on the hills surrounding it, on the way to Paarl. The vineyards here benefit from the the constant cool breezes originating from the Atlantic Ocean effectively sustaining the microclimates further bolstered by the wine farms' proximity to mountain ranges that add character to the grape berries grown here. Today, Swartland produces approximately 2 million bottles of wine a year ranging from their entry level Serengeti line to their higher end Bushvine range from grapes supplied by producers across an area of 3,600 hectares. A full-bodied wine displaying an intense ruby red colored robe, the nose evokes aromas of ripe cherries & red berries with added vanilla whiffs. On the palate, it is fruit driven, rich, & intense with touches of strawberry & plum flavors, smoke, and a hint of pepper. A soft & adequately rounded South African red, this wine is juicy with a well-balanced acidity & medium tannins leading to a moderately lengthy finish. Pair this with Roasted or Grilled Lamb with Bacon.
Winemaker / Tasting Notes
An intense, ruby red colored wine, this is a lovely South African Pinotage showing good fruit with hints of strawberries & brambles.
