Saxenburg Pinotage Private Collection 1998
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Saxenburg was acquired in 1989 by Adrian Bührer who, together with his wife Birgit and their young family, has revived the proud family tradition of Saxenburg’s historic past, ensuring that Saxenburg will continue to grow and develop in the future years.
Situated on the hills above Kuilsriver between the two oceans, the vineyards enjoy ideal soil and climatic conditions and cool breezes from False Bay during the summer months. The winemaker and vineyard staff work closely with nature and share a sense of achievement when producing only the finest.
Nico van der Merwe, Saxenburg’s wine-maker, became the South African Champion Winemaker of 1991, and his expertise and dedication assures the continued quality of Saxenburg wines. Nico feels that there must be real harmony between the grapes and the wine, and his control of the vineyard and wine cellar, combined with the sharing of his knowledge and skills with his staff, enables Saxenburg to produce wines of exceptional quality.
South Africa’s signature grape, Pinotage is a distinctively earthy and rustic variety. In 1924 viticulturists crossed finicky Pinot Noir and productive, heat-tolerant Cinsault, and created a variety both darker and bolder than either of its parents! Today it is popular in South Africa both as a single varietal wine and in Cape blends. Somm Secret—The name “Pinotage” is a subtle portmanteau. The Pinot part is obvious, but the second half is a bit confusing. In the early 1900s, Cinsault was known in South Africa as “Hermitage”—hence Pinotage.
With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in South Africa. The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the “New World.” In the mid-17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Since then, the South African wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century.
Today, however, South Africa is increasingly responsible for high-demand, high-quality wines—a blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. Wine production is mainly situated around Cape Town, where the climate is generally warm to hot. But the Benguela Current from Antarctica provides brisk ocean breezes necessary for steady ripening of grapes. Similarly, cooler, high-elevation vineyard sites throughout South Africa offer similar, favorable growing conditions.
South Africa’s wine zones are divided into region, then smaller districts and finally wards, but the country’s wine styles are differentiated more by grape variety than by region. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is the country’s “signature” grape, responsible for red-fruit-driven, spicy, earthy reds. When Pinotage is blended with other red varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Pinot Noir (all commonly vinified alone as well), it is often labeled as a “Cape Blend.” Chenin Blanc (locally known as “Steen”) dominates white wine production, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc following close behind.