{"title":"The PInotage Festival 2026 Hero Wines","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"beeslaar-pinotage-2023","title":"BEESLAAR Pinotage, Stellenbosch","description":"\u003ch4 class=\"grapes-varieties-box\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Varieties:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100% Pinotage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe 2023 vintage experienced warmer winter conditions, leading to uneven budding and flowering. A much-needed 100mm of rainfall in December (2022) alleviated stress and encouraged vine vigour. January and February brought hot weather, but phenolic ripeness was successfully achieved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaking Method \u0026amp; Maturation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHandpicked grapes were destemmed, sorted, and fermented in open top concrete fermenters at 28 C. The skins were punched down by hand, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation took place for 20 months in 225L French oak barrels (50% new and 50% 2nd fill).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Tasting notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"on-colour\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn colour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eIn the glass, Beeslaar Pinotage 2023 shows a vivid, medium-deep ruby-red core with youthful purple reflections at the rim, suggesting concentration yet clear vibrancy of fruit. The clarity is high and the colour intensity points to ripe bush-vine fruit and careful extraction rather than heaviness.\u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation inline\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"inline\" href=\"https:\/\/westcape.net\/product\/beeslaar-pinotage-2023\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"on-the-nose\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the nose\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eThe nose is pronounced and fragrant, opening with redcurrant, ripe raspberry, cranberry and black cherry compote, lifted by hints of forest berries. Subtle layers of cedarwood, dried herbs, earthy spice and a touch of cocoa and exotic spice speak to quality French oak and the distinctive, slightly savoury Simonsberg terroir.\u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation inline\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"inline\" href=\"https:\/\/buyerscellarswine.ca\/tech_sheets\/pinotage-2023\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"on-the-palate\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the palate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eOn the palate the wine is dry, full-bodied and lavish, with juicy dark plum and red cherry at the core, framed by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity that keeps the rich fruit in balance. Delicate French oak brings notes of baking spice, cocoa and cedar, while an earthy, herbal nuance adds complexity and the long, persistent finish suggests very good ageing potential.\u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-nbsp\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation inline\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"inline\" href=\"https:\/\/westcape.net\/product\/beeslaar-pinotage-2023\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"on-the-whole\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the whole\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn elegant yet indulgent Pinotage, marrying vivid red and dark fruit with refined oak spice and a long, structured finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"inline-flex\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Beeslaar","offers":[{"title":"2023","offer_id":51580368617775,"sku":"BW-PT-PI-23","price":140.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2024","offer_id":58566007914799,"sku":"BE-PT-PI-24","price":140.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0740\/8975\/9023\/files\/MessageInABottle-Beeslaar-Pinotage2021.png?v=1706449147"},{"product_id":"survivor-cellar-master-reunion","title":"SURVIVOR “Reunion Reserve” Cape Blend, Coastal Region","description":"\u003ch4 class=\"grapes-varieties-box\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Varieties:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePinot Noir (45%), Pinotage (35%), Cinsault (20%)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Making Method and Maturation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wine-details\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"features-list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"winemaking\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Pinot Noir comes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and consists of two clones, namely PN777 and PN115. The grapes are grown on Bokkeveld shale soils. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Pinotage is sourced from bush vine vineyards in the Swartland, where the grapes grow on decomposed granite. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Cinsault comes from Darling, from a similar soil type but not from bush vines. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Wine of Origin is Cape Coast.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Pinot Noir was crushed with 30% left as whole bunches and the rest de-stemmed. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grapes were left to start with natural fermentation and inoculated with selected yeast after 3 °Brix was fermented out. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grapes were pressed using a wooden basket press and left to complete malolactic fermentation in barrels. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Pinotage and Cinsault were fermented and aged separately, and the trio were only blended together after 20 months of barrel aging. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe final blend consists of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinotage, and 20% Cinsault.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wine-testing\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Tasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"on-colour\"\u003eOn colour\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eThe Survivor Cellar Master Series Reunion shows a medium to deep ruby core with a slight garnet tinge at the rim, indicating a youthful yet evolving red blend of some concentration and ripeness. The wine appears bright and clear with moderately thick, coloured legs, suggesting a generous level of alcohol and extracted fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"on-the-nose\"\u003eOn the nose\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eThe nose is pronounced and ripe, opening with dark berry and black cherry fruit layered over plums, framed by notes of cedar, vanilla and sweet spice from well-integrated oak. Subtler tones of dried herbs, tobacco leaf and a hint of cocoa add complexity, while a gentle floral lift and touch of pencil shavings point to careful cellar work and blending.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"on-the-palate\"\u003eOn the palate\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eOn the palate the wine is dry with full body, offering concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, mulberry and ripe cherry supported by toasted oak, baking spice and a savoury, earthy undertone. The tannins are firm but polished, giving a structured, slightly grippy texture, balanced by medium acidity and warm alcohol, leading to a long, complex finish where dark fruit and spicy, chocolatey notes linger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-display font-semimedium text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"on-the-whole\"\u003eOn the whole\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eA rich, oak-spiced, dark-fruited red blend with polished structure and a long, satisfying finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Survivor","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":52096002326831,"sku":"SU-BL-RR-22","price":89.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0740\/8975\/9023\/files\/SurvivorReunion.svg?v=1769070524"},{"product_id":"b-vinters-method-ancestral","title":"B VINTNERS Method Ancestral, Stellenbosch","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Varieties:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Pinotage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the Vineyard:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the producer's younger Pinotage vineyards in Stellenbosch, which suit a fresh sparkling style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaking Method and Maturation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade by Méthode Ancestrale (pét-nat), the oldest sparkling method, dating to the 15th century. The wine is bottled before fermentation finishes; the last stage completes in bottle at 18°C, trapping its natural bubbles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Tasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn colour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNaturally cloudy, pale straw-pink from suspended yeast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the nose\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePomegranate, fynbos and delicate brioche.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the palate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA mouth-filling burst of bubbles; savoury, yeasty complexity balanced by crisp fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the whole\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA rustic, honest pét-nat. Serve well chilled as an aperitif or with fresh fish or ceviche.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"B Vintners","offers":[{"title":"2025","offer_id":53166036418863,"sku":"BV-MA-MA-25","price":62.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0740\/8975\/9023\/files\/BVintnersPetNat.webp?v=1791699141"},{"product_id":"illimis-pinotage","title":"ILLIMIS Pinotage, Stellenbosch","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Varieties:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Pinotage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the Vineyard:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo trellised vineyards on one property in Stellenbosch's Polkadraai Hills, planted in 1997 and 2013, on weathered granite over gravelly clay. The site gives very refined tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaking Method and Maturation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand-picked and chilled overnight. 50% whole-bunch, wild fermentation, pressed after 8 days. Aged 7 months in neutral barrels and lightly filtered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Tasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the nose\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMashed berries, juicy plum and violets, with earthy, spicy undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the palate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBright and inviting, carrying the earthy spice through to a lingering finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the whole\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA lighter, elegant Pinotage with silky tannins. Try it with red meat, rich stews, venison, mushrooms or grilled vegetables. Will age for up to 10 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"ILLIMIS","offers":[{"title":"2023","offer_id":58631216562479,"sku":"IL-PT-PI-23","price":69.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0740\/8975\/9023\/files\/IllimisPinotage.png?v=1791704497"}],"url":"https:\/\/messageinabottle.sg\/collections\/the-pinotage-festival-2026-hero-wines.oembed","provider":"Message In A Bottle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}