Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage 2021

The Crown Jewel of South African Pinotage: A 20-Barrel Limited Masterpiece

Hailed as one of the ultimate expressions of South Africa’s signature grape, this is a collector’s dream. Crafted by a master of the varietal, Francois Van Niekerk, this ultra-rare Pinotage is produced in an extremely limited run of only 20 barrels. With a cellaring potential of 15 to 20 years, this is not just a wine—it is a liquid investment in one of the finest terroirs the Cape has to offer.

Sensory Experience

Immense Power Meets Sublime Complexity:

• Appearance: A deep, regal purple.

• Aroma: A complex tapestry of black cherry, black plum, and blackcurrant, woven with nuances of tilled earth and sweet, seductive oak spice.

• Palate: Concentrated and weighty, with a powerful structure defined by ripe, velvety tannins that coat the palate. Rich flavors of blackberry and blueberry are beautifully accented by notes of roasted coffee and licorice.

• The Finish: Despite its sheer scale and richness, the wine is enlivened by a balanced acidity that provides a graceful freshness and a hauntingly long finish.

The Winemaker’s Vision

Francois Van Niekerk, Cellar Master at Wellington Wines, was mentored by the legendary "King of Pinotage," Beyers Truter. His lifelong dream of creating his own label came true in 2019.

This Pinotage is a masterstroke of blending: 50% from Paarl, providing the powerful backbone and structure, and 50% from Wellington, contributing the soft, rounded red-fruit charm. Together, they create a wine that sits at the absolute pinnacle of the varietal.

Gourmet Pairings

A wine of this stature demands bold, flavorful dishes:

• The Grill: Prime Beef Steaks, Rack of Lamb, or BBQ Pork Shoulder.

• Rich Classics: Slow-cooked stews, brisket, or crispy pork belly.

• Wild Game: Flame-grilled venison or spicy sausages.

• Social Fare: High-quality charcuterie like aged Prosciutto or smoked meats.

Technical Profile

• Origin: Paarl & Wellington, South Africa

• Type: Full-bodied, Iconic Red

• Varietal: 100% Pinotage (28-year-old bush vines)

• Vintage: 2021

• Alcohol: 14.3%

• Closure: Cork with a premium Wax Seal

• Cellaring Potential: 15 – 20 years

The Craftsmanship

Grown in heavy clay shale soils, the grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in open-top fermenters with punch-downs every two hours to ensure maximum extraction. The wine is then matured for 24 months in 225L Tronçais French oak barrels (70% new, 30% second-fill). This extended aging allows the tannins to integrate perfectly, resulting in a wine of world-class polish and depth.

Note: Due to the extreme rarity of this 20-barrel production, availability is strictly limited.

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