Pinotage Pioneer

A Pinotage is the very first wine to come from the brand new South Africa wine region of KwaZulu-Natal , far north of the Cape winelands. The Stables Pinotage Rosé is the first wine to be certified from outside the Cape and bears the Wine of Origin KwaZulu Natal appellation which had to be created especially before the wine could receive certification.

The Stables Wine Estate, owned by Tiny and Judy van Niekerk, made the wine from grapes grown in nearby Greytown. Their own vines, which were planted in 1995, are expected to be ready for production in 1998.

The wine is called Clariet to indicate that it is fuller bodied than the usual rosé. The winery say of the wine

"This Pinotage Clariet has been produced from the finest KZN grapes. After 6 months of skin contact the free-run juice was barrel fermented in 2nd fill French oak barrels, which has brought out its elegant ruby colour and allowed for the alluring aromas of strawberries and cherries to develop. The wine is crisp and refreshing, packed with fruity flavours and finishes off with soft butterscotch and caramel.

12.5 % abv, price 65 ZAR."