Spice Route Pinotage 2024

The Swartland region north of Cape Town, even as recently as the 1990's, was seen as a bit of a backwater for winemaking, that was until Charles Beck realised the potential of the area. Today Swartland is one of the most exciting and dynamic regions in South Africa with a host of top producers alongside Spice Route. The grapes for the Pinotage come from a single block of dry farmed bush vines growing in Koffieklip soils (decomposed granite from the Paardeberg Mountain), which produces elegant reds with a robust structure. Pinotage can have a bit of a mixed reputation, though this fine example is smooth, rich and fruity and is definitely worth a look. Intense ruby in colour, it has rich blackcurrant and cherry aromas leading onto a rich and smooth palate with mellow tannins and notes of dry spice and sweet vanilla oak notes.

This is perfect with spicy Indian dishes or a well-matured steak, as it complements bold flavours and handles a bit of heat beautifully.

Spice Route was established in the late 1990's by Charles Back, a prominent figure in South Africa's wine industry, to focus on wines made with minimal intervention and maximum expression of terroir. Swartland, north of Cape Town, with its dry climate was an ideal area in which to do this. Much of what they do revolves around Rhône varieties as well as those South African favourites Pinotage and Chenin Blanc. All the fruit for their wines comes from their own vineyards which extend to about 100 hectares much of which is dry farmed allowing the fruit to display a wonderful intensity of flavour which is a hallmark of all their output.