Spier Signature Pinotage

Spier Signature Pinotage: A Taste of South African Heritage and Conscience

Experience the vibrant character of South Africa with Spier Signature Pinotage, a classic expression of this unique indigenous grape, available now at The General Wine. This exceptional red wine embodies over 300 years of winemaking heritage from one of the Cape's most respected farms, offering a delicious and down-to-earth quality crafted for your everyday enjoyment.

Spier Wine Farm: A Legacy of Land and People

Spier is one of South Africa’s oldest and most historically significant wine farms, boasting a recorded winemaking history that impressively dates back to 1692. Located in the Stellenbosch region, a renowned viticultural area within the Western Cape, Spier is more than just a winery; it is a destination rooted in a deep commitment to both outstanding winemaking and ethical, sustainable practices.

The winemaking team at Spier is dedicated to crafting wines that are truly expressive of their terroir, striving for minimal interference in the cellar to allow the natural character of the grapes and the land to shine through. While deeply rooted in this rich heritage, Spier maintains a vibrant and conscious energy, actively working to make a positive impact on its surroundings.

Central to their philosophy are the "Growing for Good" initiatives. These programmes empower communities and foster positive social and environmental change. Ranging from supporting arts and entrepreneurship to pioneering regenerative farming techniques and ecological restoration projects, Spier's commitment extends far beyond the bottle. Their projects and partnerships are designed to create a ripple effect of lasting and meaningful impact, making every bottle of Spier Signature Pinotage a taste of responsible and purposeful viticulture.

Tasting Notes: A Generous Bouquet of Dark Fruits and Spice

Spier Signature Pinotage 2020 presents a welcoming deep ruby red colour in the glass, indicative of its rich fruit profile.

The nose offers a generous and inviting bouquet. Dominant aromas of ripe dark cherries and juicy plums immediately come to the fore, providing a core of luscious fruit. These are beautifully complemented by appealing hints of cinnamon, adding a warm, gentle spice note that enhances the wine's complexity. The aromatic profile is straightforward, honest, and very appealing, promising a satisfying palate experience.

On the palate, this classic South African Pinotage delivers a smooth and approachable experience. The fruit flavours are vibrant, mirroring the dark cherry and plum notes from the nose, with a pleasing juiciness. The wine is medium-bodied, offering a comfortable weight on the palate. A key characteristic is the presence of smooth and silky tannins. These fine-grained tannins provide structure without astringency, contributing to a very pleasant mouthfeel and ensuring the wine is wonderfully drinkable. The finish is clean, balanced, and leaves a lasting impression of soft fruit and subtle spice.

Serving Suggestions and Food Matches

To best enjoy the rich, approachable character of Spier Signature Pinotage, serve it at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C. This allows its generous fruit and soft tannins to be fully appreciated.

This versatile Pinotage is an excellent partner to a wide array of dishes, making it a reliable choice for everyday enjoyment or more casual gatherings.

• Grilled Meats: As suggested by the producer, it is a superb companion to grilled lamb chops. The wine's fruit and gentle spice will harmonise beautifully with the savoury richness of the lamb. It also pairs wonderfully with burgers, especially those topped with caramelised onions, as the sweetness of the onions will complement the wine's dark fruit notes.
• Mushroom Risotto: For a comforting and earthy pairing, try Spier Signature Pinotage with a creamy mushroom risotto. The wine's smooth texture and fruit profile will complement the umami richness of the mushrooms and the creamy rice.
• Mildly Spiced Vegetable Curry: This Pinotage is surprisingly adept at pairing with mildly spiced dishes. Its fruit-forward character and soft tannins can balance the aromatic spices of a vegetable curry without being overwhelmed, offering a delightful contrast.
• Barbecued Dishes: Given its South African origin, it's a natural fit for a braai (South African barbecue) – think boerewors sausages, grilled chicken, or marinated pork ribs.
• Pork Dishes: Roast pork with apple sauce, pork loin with herbs, or even a slow-cooked pork belly would find a good match in this wine.

For a delightful cheese pairing, Spier Signature Pinotage finds a superb complement in a mature, nutty Gouda. The semi-hard texture and caramelised, slightly sweet notes of an aged Gouda will beautifully echo the wine's plum and dark cherry fruit, while its gentle savoury character will provide a pleasing counterpoint to the subtle spice, creating a harmonious and satisfying cheese and wine experience.

Spier Signature Pinotage represents not only excellent winemaking but also a commitment to positive social and environmental change. Enjoy a bottle of this quality South African red, knowing you are supporting a farm with a conscience, available now at The General Wine.