La Motte’s premium Pierneef range is a tribute to South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886 – 1957), famous for his mastership in portraying the unadorned beauty of the South African landscape and architecture. Each new release in the range reflects a different piece of Pierneef art on its label. Limited in supply, the range consists of a varietal wine and innovative blends. Grapes are obtained from site-specific organically grown vineyards in selected terroirs.

Two new vintages of Pierneef wines were recently released: The 2010 Pierneef Shiraz Viognier and the 2013 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc.

The traditional home of the Shiraz (or Syrah as it is known in France) and Viognier blend is in the northern region of the Rhône Valley, called Côte-Rôtie. At La Motte, the duo of CEO Hein Koegelenberg and Cellar Master Edmund Terblanche (who is also the chairman of the SA Shiraz Association) is passionate about Shiraz with a dedicated focus towards growing, blending and maturing this varietal.

Since introducing its Pierneef Collection in 2003, the estate’s premium range, limited in supply and made from grapes obtained from site-specific vineyards, included a Shiraz Viognier blend. The Pierneef Shiraz Viognier has become a very successful wine for La Motte, winning numerous international awards and accolades since the very first vintage.

Despite the flamboyant flavour of the Viognier acting as a lively complement to the spiciness of the Shiraz, the 2010 Pierneef Shiraz Viognier stays classic with an understated elegance.  Intended for the connoisseur who appreciates the success of a highly rewarding wine, liquorice and green pepper spice combine with the juicy notes of raspberry and cranberry as well as the rose-petal perfume of the Viognier, for a wine that is full of flavour and complexity.

The 2010 Pierneef Shiraz Viognier sells for R199 per bottle from the La Motte Tasting Room or ONLINE.