Wines from South Africa


Beyerskloof

In 1988 one of the Cape’s foremost wine makers, Beyers Truter of Kanonkop Estate, formed a partnership with four ardent wine lovers in Johannesburg with one ideal in mind: to produce a wine of exceptional character.

After exploring the Cape Winelands for a suitable location they found a perfectly situated farm in the Koelenhof area within the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin region. Coincidence provided an appropriate name. The farm’s original name was Nooitgedacht, which for five generations belonged to the Beyers family before Jan Andries Beyers sold it in 1895. Beyers Truter is a direct descendent of Jan Beyers, thus making him the sixth generation to farm this land.

Beyer Truter’s original search for land was focused on one thing only: finding the best soils to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine. Beyerskloof’s shallow, gravely soil is very similar to that of Bordeaux. The shallowness of the soil led Beyers to plant almost 5 000 vines per hectare to optimise the small pocket of land. The vines are planted with 20 000 Cabernet Sauvignon vines and 5 000 Merlot vines. There is no supplementary irrigation, unless the weather preceding a particular harvest is such that ground water levels are insufficient for optimal fruit ripeness.

The constant search for superior quality grapes led to the acquisition of an additional farm situated 2km from the original property in 1997. This Stellenbosch farm located on the Bottelary Road is aptly called Beyerskloof Vineyards and is 77 ha of which 50 ha are planted. The varietal spread is made up of 30ha Pinotage (20ha Trellised and 10ha Bush vine), 15ha Cabernet Sauvignon, 10ha Merlot and 5ha Cinsault.

Hutton, Clovelly and Kroonstad soils ensure a better-quality ripening environment for the red grape varieties. The average age of vineyards vary between 8 and 15 years and yields generated from these vines amount to roughly 8 – 10 tons per hectare.

Beyers Truter was instrumental in the founding of the Pinotage Association and is a tireless promoter of the varietal and its’ many merits. He also clearly recognizes its’ shortcomings. Today, he is fondly known to the South African wine industry as Mr. Pinotage.

 

Beyerskloof Pinotage
 


Vibrant notes of blackberry, plum and dark cherries are backed by subtle mocha aromas. The wine is medium to full-bodied with soft, ripe tannins and a sustained finish.

This wine partners well with rich stews, pastas, game meats and anything from the grill.

The wine is ready to drink but will develop complexity with three to four years in the bottle.

UPC #: 752245220520

 
Beyerskloof Pinotage Reserve
 


Intense dark red middle with a ruby red rim. Promising blackberry aromas upfront with lively spicy/sweet cedar oak in the background. Bundles of blackberry and prune ‑ flavors upon entry which combine well with the cedar oak aromas from Barrel maturation. A wine with good structure, excellent balance and a long juicy ­finish.

This wine will pair well with any spicy curries or traditional Bobotie (SA curry) .

The wine is ready to drink but will develop complexity with 10 years in the bottle.

UPC #: 

 
Beyerskloof Synergy
 


This limited release Cape blend of Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz was recently judged to be the best wine of its type produced in the 2010 vintage. Deep, dark red in color the wine shows rich blackcurrant, dark cherries and hints of plum combining well with subtle notes of mocha and cedar from barrel-aging. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with ripe fruit, subtle tannins and a long, smooth finish.

This is a great accompaniment to rich pasta dishes, matured steak and venison.

The wine is ready to drink but will develop complexity with five to seven years in the bottle.

UPC #: 752245220537


Beyerskloof Diesel
 



This is a very limited release.   Rich blackcurrant, dark cherries, prunes, cedar and oak aromas. A big structured Pinotage with intense dark fruit flavors. A complex middle leads to a smooth finish with pleasant cigar box flavors from barrel aging. Great balance between fruit and oak.

This is a great accompaniment to spicy Indian dishes, a well matured rump/sirloin steak or venison.

The wine has superb ageing in the bottle for 10 years and more.

UPC #: 6006475000839