Beyerskloof
Beyerskloof, established in 1988 in Stellenbosch, is South Africa’s leading producer of Pinotage, famed for its award-winning wines and deep winemaking heritage. Run by the Truter family, the estate combines tradition and innovation, crafting fruit-forward wines from unirrigated vineyards and offering memorable experiences in its scenic tasting room. Beyerskloof’s commitment to quality and family legacy has elevated South African wines globally.
South Africa’s Pinotage Authority
Benchmark producer shaping varietal reputation.
Unique Terroir Expression
Unirrigated vineyards; true regional character.
Award-Winning Wines
Reliably outstanding wines year after year.
Diesel Pinotage: Awarded Stellenbosch Excellence
Beyerskloof Diesel 2022 stands out for its prestige: crafted in Stellenbosch, this Pinotage regularly impresses expert judges and wine competitions with its structured palate and 21 months of oak ageing. Widely recognized for quality and character, it’s a distinguished choice for collectors. Experience excellence—order now!
Grape Varieties:
100% Pinotage
Winemaking Method and Maturation:
The optimum ripeness for picking was at 25.8°B. Once destemmed berries went through a sorting system to minimise greenness. Fermentation took place in open casks, with punch downs every 2 hours for 5 days. Grapes were pressed before fermentation finished, and malolactic fermentation took place in a stainless steel tank. The wine went into new French oak barrels for 21 months, after which only the best barrels were selected for this wine.
Wine Tasting Notes:
The Beyerskloof Diesel 2022 is a deep, opaque ruby in colour.
On the nose, expect bold, complex aromas of blackberry compote, ripe black plum, and dark chocolate, layered with charred oak, espresso, and a smoky, meaty undertone—hinting at its robust structure.
On the palate, it’s dry and full-bodied, with high, velvety tannins and medium (+) acidity that balance its dense core of blackcurrant, blueberry, and licorice. The oak is pronounced but well-integrated, adding vanilla, toasted cedar, and a touch of clove spice, while a savory, almost gamey note (reminiscent of Pinotage’s character) lingers beneath.
The finish is long and warming, with lingering dark fruit, mocha, and a peppery lift.
Vintage Notes:
We had ideal winter conditions that supplemented water reserves and contributed to even growth, which provided an excellent foundation for the 2022 crop. Following a cool run-up to the season, sudden heat peaks in December and January resulted in sunburn damage on certain vineyard blocks. At the same time, we experienced unexpected rainfall, which led to high disease pressure that caused challenges in minimising the effects of powdery and downy mildew. As temperatures remained moderate throughout the rest of the season, the grapes took their time to reach optimum ripeness, and the start of harvest was delayed by 10-14 days.
The 2022 crop was larger than 2021 due to ideal winter conditions. Judging by the quality of the 2022 vintage wines currently in the cellar, we anticipate another classic Stellenbosch vintage.
Aging Potential:
The wine will age superbly for 10 years or longer.
Food and Wine Pairing Suggestions:
It will pair well with spicy Indian curries or any red meat on the braai (BBQ).
| Alcohol | 15% |
|---|---|
| Residual sugar | 2.66g/L |
| Acidity | 5.63 |
| Region | Stellenbosch |
| Producer | Beyeskloof |
Home of Pinotage: Beyerskloof Legacy
Beyers Truter, acclaimed as the “Pinotage King,” has championed South Africa’s signature grape for decades. His passion and expertise led to the founding of Beyerskloof in 1988, where his hands-on approach and vision for Pinotage excellence remain at the heart of the winery’s ethos. Truter’s relentless advocacy transformed Pinotage from a niche varietal into a respected, award-winning grape on the global stage, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in winemaking history.
Every bottle from Beyerskloof is a reflection of Beyers Truter’s lifelong commitment to innovation, quality, and South African heritage. The estate’s wines—especially its iconic Pinotage—carry the hallmark of Truter’s winemaking philosophy: meticulous care in the vineyard, letting terroir speak, and fostering sustainable practices. His influence is celebrated through ongoing experimentation, premium releases like Diesel Pinotage, and a culture of storytelling through wine that honors family roots and regional tradition. Guests at Beyerskloof experience not just exceptional wines, but the tangible legacy of a winemaker whose dedication forever changed South Africa’s wine landscape.
