Francois van Niekerk Pinotage 2020

Characteristics:
Full-bodied and high quality Pinotage, made from old bush vines planted on dryland vineyards in Paarl and Wellington. Small yield, hand picked grapes and carefully matured for 24 months on fine grained French oak (Tronçais), resulting in an outstanding and complex wine. Layered aromas and tasting palate of black cherries, ripe plums, nectarines, boysenberry, wild bramble, underpinned by delicious hints of spice and vanilla pod. Elegant balance between oak and fruit. Smooth, velvity and lingering finish. Ageing potential of 15 years and more.

Food Pairing:
Red meat or spicy Asian style dishes especially when served young. Excellent with lamb when matured. Vegetarian aficionados can serve it with grilled aubergines or portobello mushrooms.

About this winery:
Francois van Niekerk is a creative winemaker in Wellington and launched his own wine, the Francois van Niekerk Pinotage, in 2019. Beyers Truter, éminence grise and ‘King of Pinotage’ is his mentor. In 2021, Francois van Niekerk won a place in the prestigious Top Ten Pinotage with his 2019 cuvée, a 5-star rating (highest score) in the 2022 Platters South African Wine Guide and 94 pts by Master of Wine Tim Atkins.