L’Avenir, the French inspired Stellenbosch wine estate, celebrates the opening of South Africa’s first lounge dedicated exclusively to the emblematic varietal, Pinotage, located in the heart of the functioning cellar on the estate.
Proudly South African with a touch of French Flair, the L’Avenir Pinotage Lounge invites enthusiasts of the varietal to experience exclusive tastings & purchases of rare older vintages dating back to the 1970’s hosted by the winemaker, Dirk Coetzee.
The official launch of the lounge began with tastings of the latest vintage of L’Avenir’s Single Block Pinotage 2013 out of barrel, the latest vintage under Dirk Coetzee; moving to the current release Single Block 2012 & ending with a selection of previous winemaker, Francois Naude’s favourite rare vintages. Francois Naude, winemaker at L’Avenir for 13 years from 1992 until 2005, is recognized as one of the original pioneers of Pinotage in South Africa and relished the opportunity to share his experience with the uniquely South African varietal.
L’Avenir Single Block Pinotage is made from a selected parcel of cultivated bush vines from what is known as Block 2 on the farm. This block is made up of vines ranging in age from 15 – 30 yeas old and has consistently produced exceptional quality fruit which, up until 2012, had been used in red blends.
In 2012, it was decided to bottle the block as a single varietal, vinified to showcase the finest traits of the varietal.
Pinotage, a blend of the notoriously fickle Pinot Noir grape and the hardier Hermitage (commonly known as Cinsault), has been cultivated exclusively in South Africa since the early 1940’s & is recognized for it’s red fruit characteristics often showing notes of chocolate & tobacco with soft tannins on the palate.
The L’Avenir Pinotage Lounge is open during tasting room operating hours and bookings are essential.
For more information contact Hantie Smit at 083 627 5551Â Â Â
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