This Heritage Month, the 2024 Absa Perold Cape Blend and Pinotage Rosé Awards mark a celebration of South Africa's dynamic and evolving wine culture, paying tribute to the pioneers who have propelled these uniquely South African wine styles to global prominence. These awards recognise not only the innovation behind Cape Blends and Pinotage Rosés but also the enduring vision of winemakers dedicated to advancing South Africa’s wine heritage.
Cape Blend: A vision realised over 24 years
Beyers Truter, chairman of the Pinotage Association, eloquently reflected on the 24-year journey of Cape Blend wines. He noted, “Like Absa’s logo – your story matters. We, the Pinotage Association, have many stories written or told, some written in good times, and others in challenging times especially when wine sales were flat, or even declining.”
Cape Blend itself was born out of one such challenging time. In a period of static wine sales, the Pinotage Association sought innovative ways to rejuvenate interest in local wines. A pivotal meeting in 2000 sparked the idea of creating a blend that not only championed Pinotage but also included other South Africa’s most planted varieties.
A sub-committee consisting of Danie Steytler (Snr), Johan Malan, Jacques Roux, and Jeremy Walker was tasked with developing the concept. Their work, however, was not without its challenges. Naming the blend "Cape Blend" faced resistance within the industry, and the debate over which varietals to include, and how long the blend should be aged in oak, sparked considerable discussion. Yet, through perseverance and a commitment to quality,
Today, the Cape Blend brand stands tall, not just in South Africa but internationally. In 24 years, Cape Blend wines have won prestigious accolades, including the title of Best Blend in the World at the IWSC. Many global competitions now include a Cape Blend category, and restaurants proudly feature these wines on their lists. As Truter remarked, "It took 24 years, but today we can celebrate a world-class wine style that bears the mark of South African ingenuity." November seems to be a good month for Pinotage, on 17 November 1924 the cross by Perold, in November 1995 the Pinotage Association was established and in 2000 the Cape Blend brand was established.
The 2024 Cape Blend Award winners
This year’s Cape Blend award winners have continued this legacy of excellence:
Winners
- Bellevue Wine Estate - Bellevue Atticus Cape Blend, 2022, WO Bottelary, winemaker: Wilhelm Kritzinger
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Fuselage Wines - Fuselage Wines Pilot & Navigator, 2021 , WO Paarl, winemaker: Danie Morkel.
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Koelenhof Wynkelder - Koelenbosch Nineteenfortyone, 2022, WO Stellenbosch, winemakers: Handré Visagie and Nicholas Husselman
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Rooiberg Winery - Rooiberg Winery Reserve Cape Blend, 2022, WO Robertson, winemaker: JJ Simonis
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uniWines Vineyards - Daschbosch The Gift, 2020, WO Breedekloof, winemaker: WS Visagie
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Warwick Wine Estate - Warwick Three Cape Ladies Cape Blend, 2021, WO Stellenbosch, winemaker: JD Pretorius
Runners-up
- Beyerskloof - Beyerskloof Traildust, 2022, WO Stellenbosch, winemaker: Anri Truter
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Beyerskloof - Beyerskloof Faith Cape Blend, 2021, WO Stellenbosch, winemaker: Anri Truter
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L'Avenir Wine Estate - L'Avenir Stellenbosch Classic Cape Blend, 2020, WO Stellenbosch, winemaker: Dirk Coetzee
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Truter Family Wines - Truter Family Wines Agaat John David, 2022, WO Western Cape, winemaker: Hugo Truter
Pinotage Rosé: A growing force in global wine markets
The innovation within the Pinotage Association did not stop with Cape Blend. Recognising the versatility of the Pinotage grape, South African winemakers have turned their attention to crafting world-class rosés. As the association's story continues to evolve, Pinotage Rosés have emerged as a fresh and exciting category, gaining significant traction in global markets.
“Pinotage Rosés are on the rise,” remarked Beyers Truter, “and as consumers worldwide look beyond traditional French rosés, South Africa’s unique terroir and vibrant flavours are standing out.”
This year's Pinotage Rosé Awards winners illustrate this trend.
Winners
- Aaldering Vineyards - Aaldering Pinotage Rosé, 2024, WO Stellenbosch, winemaker: Jaco Parson
- Bon Courage Estate - Bon Courage Lady of the House Pinotage Rosé, 2024, WO Robertson, winemaker: Philip Viljoen
- De Grendel Wines - De Grendel Rosé, 2024, WO Coastal Region, winemakers: Morgan Steyn and Charles Hopkins
- Deetlefs Wines - Deetlefs Stonecross Pinotage Rosé, 2024, WO Western Cape, winemaker: Philip Deetlefs
- L'Avenir Wine Estate - L'Avenir Horizon Rosé de Pinotage, 2024, WO Stellenbosch, winemaker: Dirk Coetzee
- Painted Wolf Wines - Painted Wolf The Den Pinotage Rosé, 2024, WO Coastal Region, winemakers: Jeremy Borg and Madré van der Walt
South African Pinotage Rosés are characterised by their lively, fruit-forward profiles, vibrant acidity, and refreshing finish. These wines offer a delightful alternative for global wine enthusiasts eager to explore new rosé styles. The future looks bright for South Africa’s Pinotage Rosé as these wines continue to win over new fans worldwide.
A proud South African legacy
Both the Cape Blend and Pinotage Rosé categories are a testament to the creativity, resilience, and dedication of South Africa’s winemakers. As Beyers Truter reflected, “It takes time to build a successful brand.” With each vintage, South Africa's winemakers write new chapters in the story of Pinotage - a story rooted in innovation, passion, and a commitment to excellence. The future of South African wine is undeniably bright, and these award-winning Cape Blends and Pinotage Rosés are leading the way.
For more information on the competition, contact the Pinotage Association: