Kanonkop

The Pinotage Specialist

Kanonkop is world-famous for having proven that the Pinotage (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault) could produce exceptional wines for aging, capable of competing with the great European reds.

• Vieilles Vignes : THE domaine has some of the most vieilles vignes Pinotage grapes from the region, grown in "bush vines" (goblet style), without trellising. This naturally limits the yield and concentrates the aromas.

• The Style: Far from industrial Pinotages with notes of burnt rubber, those from Kanonkop are deep, structured, with notes of wild red berries, spices and an aging potential of 20 years or more.

A Privileged Terroir: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

The Kanonkop terroir is often referred to as "The Red Wine Bowl" of South Africa.

• Decomposed granite soils: This ancient, clay-rich soil retains moisture perfectly, which is crucial during the Cape's dry summers. This results in wines with a beautiful tannic backbone.

• Influence of the sea: Although located inland, the vineyard benefits from the cool breezes of False Bay, which allows for slow ripening of the grapes and preserves acidity.

The Iconic Vintages

Kanonkop's product range is hierarchically structured in a very precise way:

Black Label Pinotage - The jewel. From the most vieilles vignes (planted in 1953). A cult wine, rare and of monumental complexity.

Paul Sauer - A Bordeaux blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot). It is the first South African wine to have received a score of 100/100 from Tim Atkin.

Estate Pinotage - The heart of domaine. Powerful, woody (new French oak) and made for the cellar.

THE domaine remained in the hands of the family Sauer-Krige since its founding. It is this family and technical continuity (very few different cellar masters in a century) that explains the legendary consistency of their wines.