De Grendel, Pinotage, "Amandelboord," Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa 2022

One of the Cape's oldest farms, De Grendel takes its name from the Dutch word for "gate". The farm was the gateway for travellers headed inland from the Cape. One of South Africa's most prominent politicians and businessmen at the time, Sir David Graaff, purchased the farm in the 1890s. The vineyards and winery are now managed by Sir David's great grandson, De Villiers.

The closest winery to the city centre, De Grendel benefits from cool ocean breezes making its terroir well-suited to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, among others.

Since 2005, winemaking is overseen by Charles Hopkins, formerly of Graham Beck, one of South Africa's most established wineries. 

Pinotage

Pinotage is a uniquely South African red grape variety. It was developed in 1924 by viticulturist Abraham Izak Perold, who later started the viticulture and oenology program at Stellenbosch University. Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (known in South Africa as Hermitage), which is how it got its name: "Pinot" from Pinot Noir and "age" from Hermitage.

How Does Pinotage Taste like? 

Pinotage combines the elegance and freshness of Pinot Noir with a slightly darker and more rustic fruit profile. Black cherry, blackberry and light savory notes.  

Stylistically, it can vary from fuller oak-influenced styles from places like Stellenbosch or crunchier and fresher styles when grown in areas with maritime influence. 

Amandelboord translated to Almond Orchard, inspired by the orchard that was located in this location. The wine is aged in French and American oak for about 11 months before bottling. Medium bodied, with ripe black cherry notes, savory with moderate tannins.