Appropriate time is the launch this month of the DeWaal Top of the Hill Pinotage 2014, just in time for International Pinotage Day on October 8th.
This is the 66th vintage of this historic vineyard planted in 1950 by Danie and Koffie de Waal, making it the oldest Pinotage vineyard in the world. Today it continues to produce grapes which express the distinctive style for which the DeWaal Top of the Hill Pinotage has become renowned. Taking into consideration both the size and the age of the vineyard, the crop is naturally very, very low and yielded sufficient grapes to bottle 1252 bottles. The bottles have been individually numbered with a handwritten number. The wine is available from the Estate for an even handed R550 from the Estate’s Cellar Door, and is presented in a gift box.
DeWaal is one of only 8 producers which have won the ABSA Top 10 Award 6 times or more. The Top of the Hill Pinotage wines consistently receive 4½ and 5 stars in the Platter South African Wine Guide. It was awarded WINE magazine Pinotage Champion, during the magazines lifetime and received Double Gold medals at the Veritas Awards on numerous occasions. The Top of the Hill was chosen selected by Francesca Negri in her book “1001 Wines to enjoy at least once in a lifetime.” Only 18 South African red wines made this list.
The vineyard is a bush vine planting on warmer north facing gravel and loam slopes on the estate. The grapes are hand selected in the vineyard and re-sorted in the cellar to ensure that only the best grapes are used to vinify this prestigious wine. 18 months’ maturation took place in 225 litre new French oak barrels.
It looks like
Elegant packaging in a Bordeaux shaped bottle, individually hand numbered. In the glass, a rich bloodplum at the core which pales out to a purple tinged rub at the rim.
It smells like
Fulsome red berries and plums. Undertow of well applied oak and its concomitant spices.
It tastes like
From entry, there is a rich tapestry which unravels as you get deeper into the glass. A generosity of rustic fruits, roadside brambles, redcurrants. Full mid palate and a long aftertaste in which some tight tannins appear but augur well for the potential 10 to 16 years this wine will continue to improve if cellared correctly.
It’s good with
This is a wine built for food and a special occasion. In cooler weather it would be fitting to serve it with a waterblommetjie or bean bredie.
The Top of the Hill Fun Walk
On Saturday October 8th you can join owner Pieter de Waal on the popular Fun Walk to the oldest existing Pinotage block in the world and start at 10h00 at the Tasting venue. You will stroll through the farm and the many rows of vineyards to the shade of the magnificent Wild old Fig Tree. This is a landmark on the farm and based next to the magnificent 66 year old vineyard. The Fun Walk includes a tasting of Top of the Hill Pinotage 2014 in the vineyards, and 4 other wines on the Terrace with a selection of local cheeses, preserves, droe wors (a South African speciality) and melba. A glass of your favourite wine from the Young Vines range accompanies your luncheon.
Groups of a maximum of 16 guests can be accommodated
Cost: R195.00 per person
Reservations need to be made 5 days in advance
Bookings will be confirmed with receipt of payment
Good to know
This Fun Walk is hosted once a month on a Saturday. The dates for the season ahead are: 8 October 2016 (International Pinotage Day), 12 November 2016, 3 Dec 2016.
This is a relaxing walk with history, many stories and interaction. It is not too challenging, approximately 2.5 km in total.
For reservations, please contact Helga admin@dewaal.co.za or call +27.218813711
DeWaal Manor House Experience
Join owner Pieter de Waal, for a traditional South African luncheon in the impressive Cape Dutch Manor House on the historic Uiterwyk farm. Dating back to 1682, this farm is one of the oldest in South Africa. The De Waal family arrived in the country more than 300 years ago and have been producing wine for 9 generations.
The Manor House, with its impressive Rococo gable, dates back to 1791 and has been declared a National Monument.
This Cape Dutch landmark boasts the original yellowwood floors, antique furniture and a majestic ambience of bygone days.
The Manor House Experience includes
A tasting of 5 wines, including the award-winning Top of the Hill Pinotage and a traditional three course South African farm style luncheon.
DeWaal is hosting this Manor House Experience from Monday to Friday from 12h00 until 14h30.
Groups of 8-20 guests can be accommodated.
Cost: R 450.00 per person
Reservations need to be made 7 days in advance.
Bookings will be confirmed with receipt of payment.
For reservations, please contact Helga admin@dewaal.co.za or call +27.218813711. | This package is subject to availability.
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Tags: DeWaal Wines, Pinotage, South African Wines.