Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage 2021

The Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage 2021 is a superb example of South Africa’s signature varietal, crafted to showcase the depth and versatility of Pinotage. This full-bodied, fruit-driven wine is meticulously produced to highlight the best qualities of the grape, making it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging.

Cultivar:
100% Pinotage, embodying the unique characteristics of this distinctly South African grape, known for producing robust and flavorful red wines.

Characteristics:
This Pinotage is a full-bodied, fruit-driven wine, designed as a perfect complement to food. Its structure and balance make it versatile and appealing to a wide range of palates.

Tasting Notes:
The Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage 2020 displays a deep color, indicative of its intensity. The nose is rich with blackberry and mulberry aromas, complemented by a hint of cigar box, adding a touch of sophistication. Floral tones and layers of red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, enhance the complexity. The palate is a harmonious blend of dense fruit core, bright acidity, and fine tannins, leading to a long, pure finish adorned with delicate wood spice from the oak aging.

In the Vineyard:

Soil: Low-yielding, well-drained vertical shale/schist, ideal for cultivating vines that produce concentrated and complex fruit.
Yield: 6.4 tons/Ha, balancing quality and concentration.
Aspect: West-North-West & East, optimizing sunlight exposure and aiding in even ripening.
Harvest:
The grapes were handpicked during the cool night hours to preserve their aromatic compounds and prevent oxidation, ensuring the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit.

Cellar Practices:
The winemaking process included a 48-hour cold maceration to enhance color and fruit extraction. During fermentation, manual punch-downs were performed three times per day, maximizing flavor and tannin extraction while ensuring gentleness to avoid harshness. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrels and was matured for 22 months in a mix of 60% French and 40% American oak, with 40% new barrels and the remainder split between second and third fills, providing a balanced oak influence.

Ageing Potential:
This wine has a cellaring potential of up to 12 years, during which it will continue to develop complexity and further integrate its elements.

Serving Temperature:
The optimal serving temperature for this Pinotage is 17°C, which will best showcase its aromatic complexity and rich flavor profile.

Food Pairing:
The Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage 2020 pairs excellently with robust dishes such as grilled meats, barbecue, rich stews, and game, as well as with hard cheeses that can stand up to its bold flavors.

Overall, this Pinotage is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Rijk’s Private Cellar, offering a luxurious and satisfying experience that reflects the best attributes of South African wine.