Robertson Limited Release Phanto Ridge Pinotage 2013
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The today prosperous town of Robertson was named after Dr William Robertson, a Scottish minister who arrived in South Africa in 1822. Amongst his many congregations in this vast country was an area known as “Over Het Roode Zand”. When in 1852 the community established a town, they named it Robertson in recognition and appreciation of his many services.
During the late 19th century a worker community occupied the land where the Robertson Winery now stands. They built a stone church and their congregation was serviced by missionaries. When Robertson Winery was established in 1941, the small church was no longer in use and the winery acquired the building for its winemaking and cellaring operations. Today, the historic church still plays an important part in the maturation of our wines and features as the proud emblem on our labels.
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.
Within the Breede River Valley in South Africa, Robertson is a warm and dry winegrowing region notable for its white wines. The region is home to an increasing number of estates and cooperatives.