12th October marks the day we celebrate a wine that holds a special place in the heart of South African viticulture—Pinotage, and this year, we celebrate 99 years of it’s existence!
The Legacy of Pinotage
Pinotage, often dubbed the heart of South African wines, boasts a unique heritage that dates back to 1925. The grape variety was born from the crossbreeding of Pinot Noir and Cinsault (then known as Hermitage), resulting in a robust yet versatile wine. While its lineage ties it to some of the most esteemed grape varieties globally, Pinotage has carved its own path, becoming a symbol of South African winemaking prowess. This grape variety thrives in the country's diverse climate and soil, yielding wines with distinctive flavors that encapsulate the spirit of South Africa.
Meeting Abrie Beeslaar
Abrie Beeslaar, a name synonymous with excellence in winemaking, carries a legacy that echoes through vineyards around the world. With accolades ranging from Winemaker of the Year to crafting wines that consistently rank among the best, his expertise is unparalleled. For Beeslaar, winemaking isn't just a profession—it’s an art form, a passion rooted deep within him. His love for Pinotage began early, and today, he stands as one of its most ardent champions.
In honor of Pinotage Day, we're thrilled to sit down with Beeslaar and uncover his insights on Pinotage, his approach to winemaking, and what keeps him inspired in the continually evolving world of wine.
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MIAB: Over the more than 20 years of winemaking, you’ve built a really strong reputation as a winemaker. It is not uncommon that people associate you with Pinotage. Of all the wine varieties, why did you choose to focus on the Pinotage… especially when it was unproven and so risky 20 years ago to do so? (Or did Pinotage choose you?)
Beeslaar: I started making Pinotage at Swartland Winery, and was intrigued by how different it was from other varieties. When I joined Kanonkop, Pinotage was 50% of the production, so it was natural for me to grow closer to the variety. I was also working with some of the greatest and oldest Pinotage vines on the planet, so that also made it easier.
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MIAB: You’ve achieved so much as a winemaker, yet you’ve spent most of your time, 23 years, at Kanonkop. What keeps your inspired? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Beeslaar: The journey from soil to bottle, and how to refine it every year is my inspiration. It fits in with my Christian faith that I am not in control of things but rather an instrument in bigger plans.
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MIAB: You started Beeslaar as a private label in 2011 while still retaining your role as the Cellermaster at Kanonkop (until this October). What did you have in mind (in terms of wine making) when you decided to start your own label… what were you hoping to achieve and what can people look forward to under the Beeslaar label?
Beeslaar: I started working with a block of Pinotage on shale soils in 2005. This wine had such a different expression compared to the Pinotages growing on granites, but there was no label where I could show this and the wine was blended away in a big blend. That was the first “itch” to start my own wine. In 2012 we produced the first Pinotage under the Beeslaar label coming from this shale soils. I started to produce Chardonnay in 2020, and will also be bringing out my Bordeaux blend towards the end of the year, or early next year.
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MIAB: With so many years of experience in this industry under your belt, how would you describe this time in the wine industry in SA now
Beeslaar: We have never had so many different producers and labels before, so that already creates much more stories and wines. I do believe winemakers are zooming in on pockets of vines that was overlooked through the years, and are producing excellent wines. I am a firm believer that a winemaker must be able to stand behind his wines, and not spend all his time in front of his wine. With all the excitement we still need to focus on quality first.
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MIAB: What is 1 common myth about Pinotage that you think needs to be dispelled?
Beeslaar: I think most of the myths have disappeared over the years, but some people still think that Pinotage has funky aromas with an aggressive structure. Most of the negatives of the past was due to bad winemaking and winemakers not understanding the variety.
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MIAB: For anyone who is skeptical about trying a Pinotage wine, what would you tell them?
Beeslaar: If you like to miss out on the better things in life, please do not drink Pinotage.
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MIAB: When you’re not making wine, what are some of the things you like doing?
Beeslaar: I do crossfit to keep me flexible. I love to go snorkeling and crayfish diving with my son and daughter. We also like to go hunting, and we make our own biltong and droewors. Anything in nature, hiking ect is fun.
Expanding Your Wine Journey
For those eager to deepen their understanding of Pinotage and South African wines, consider exploring different producers and vintages. Each bottle offers a unique perspective, a new chapter in the ongoing story of Pinotage. By broadening your palate and experimenting with pairings, you'll discover the multifaceted nature of this extraordinary wine.
From now until 31 October, enjoy 15% off when you purchase any Pinotage from us. Discount will be applied on the Checkout page.
Here is a flight of Pinotages we offer that you can explore at home:
#1: Kaapzicht - Pinotage Skraalhans, 2022
This wine is dominated by red fruits with classic cherry and mulberry notes. With a vibrant palate and sweet tannins, this wine has a plush and bright finish.
See the full tasting notes here. Or explore the full Pinotage Collection here.
#2: Kaapzicht - The Terroir Range Rooiland Pinotage 2021
Generous notes of blackberry, mulberry and blackcurrant are present on the nose, while rich oak and vanilla spice creates a lasting and textural finish.
See the full tasting notes here. Or explore the full Pinotage Collection here.
#3: Kaapzicht - The Steytler Range - Pinotage, 2020
This wine is dominated with cherry and red fruit aromas, backed up with inky and vanilla notes. Spice and richness create tension on the palate leaving an earthy and elegant finish.
See the full tasting notes here. Or explore the full Pinotage Collection here.
#4: Beeslaar - Pinotage 2022
Vibrant crimson-red hue, with aromatic hints of cranberry, raspberry, crème de cassis, and macerated cherries, complemented by subtle undertones of oak spice, tobacco leaf, and Fynbos shrub. The palate is opulent, decadent, with a framework of succulent plum and black cherry flavours enhanced by French oak, fragrant spices, and a rustic herbal hint. The wine presents a variety of flavours, including rich chocolate, wild berries, and exotic spices, all complemented by a subtle and harmonious oak influence that lingers on the finish. A wine that possesses the ability to age, exhibits complexity, and exudes elegance.
See the full tasting notes here. Or explore the full Pinotage Collection here.
We will also have a much bigger line up of pinotage wines available soon - stay tuned for the updates!