Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing with the Pinotage Association and the Cape Mint.
Left to Right: Craig Bergsma (back), Lucille Botha, Marc Trout (back),Elsabe Ferreira, Peter Steyn (back), Beyers Truter, Dirk Coetzee (back), Belinda Jacobs, Natanya Van Niekerk
Just days after her 100th birthday on May 17, Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, one of South Africa’s most beloved adopted wine figures, marked a once-in-a-lifetime occasion by overstriking a gold medallion commemorating 100 years of Pinotage – South Africa’s signature grape.
Hosted at Glenelly Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, the celebration united a select gathering of guests from the Pinotage Association and the Cape Mint, along with Madame May’s grandson, Nicolas Bureau, to honour both the centenary of Pinotage and the centenary of Madame May, whose legacy bridges continents, generations, and great vintages.
“This is more than symbolic,” said Madame May, a Bordeaux-born grande dame of wine who started her South African wine journey at the age of 78. “Pinotage and I were both born in 1925 - it’s a beautiful story that our lives have crossed like this. I’ve always admired Pinotage for its complexity and character, and I’m deeply honoured to be part of this moment.”
Prof. Izak Perold was the visionary who crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsault to create Pinotage in 1925. The 24-carat pure gold medallion, weighing one troy ounce (31.1 grams), was designed and sculpted by Natanya van Niekerk, award-winning numismatist and director of the Cape Mint. It forms part of a limited-edition series celebrating the Pinotage centenary, with only 300 medallions worldwide to feature a unique privy mark. The tiny, engraved angel prattling over a crystal wine glass was inspired by a family story shared by Perold’s granddaughter about him calling exceptional wine “engeltjiepiepie”. Each of these exclusive medallions will be hand-finished with a touch of red enamel, symbolising wines “touched by an angel”.
Madame May personally struck this launch edition medallion using a hand press capable of applying 1.5 tons of pressure, adding the final, symbolic detail that marks it as a true heritage piece.
“This moment is the culmination of what numismatics is all about,” said van Niekerk. “The story of Pinotage - born from French cultivars and perfected in South African soil – and the presence of Madame May, a symbol of French heritage and South African adoption, make this a moment that transcends time. It’s more than art; it’s a legacy cast in gold.”
The medallion features Prof. Perold in relief – an impressive numismatic achievement on a thin gold plate. It also bears the parent grape varieties’ names on either side with Pinotage in the middle, Perold’s signature, and a laurel wreath of grapes, which is a symbol of South Africa’s rich wine heritage. Each medallion comes in a premium hardwood box and with a numbered certificate of authenticity from the Cape Mint.
Beyers Truter, chairman of the Pinotage Association and a lifelong Pinotage champion, noted: “Pinotage should be registered as a South African asset – just like gold. This medallion not only marks the past but will also carry Pinotage’s story into the future. Both the wine and this medallion will increase in worth and meaning as time goes on.”
The gold medallion follows on a silver medallion, featuring a two-dimensional silhouette of Prof. Perold, that was released earlier this month. Later this year, the collection will culminate in a grand finale release, set to coincide with the major Pinotage centenary celebrations in October.
Dirk Coetzee, winemaker at L’Avenir, reflected on the emotional resonance of the day: “What a truly memorable occasion – celebrating a century of Pinotage in the presence of the gracious centenarian, Madame May. Like great Pinotage, her life reminds us that resilience and time bring extraordinary depth.”
The Pinotage Association will benefit from the sales of the medallions, valued at R70 000 each, which will help to further promote and protect this truly South African cultivar globally.
As the medallion was struck and Madame May beamed with delight, the room fell into celebration. “I have always cherished medallions and am a collector myself,” she said, “but this is the first time I’ve seen how one is made - and to do it myself for a cause so close to my heart is unforgettable,” she said, while praising the exquisite design on the Pinotage medallion.
This milestone is a shining tribute to Pinotage’s first century – and to Madame May’s timeless passion for wine, resilience, and legacy.
For more information, contact the Pinotage Association:
Photo captions:
Photo 4:
Front Left to Right : Talita Louw, Heinrich Louw (Viticulturist), Léhandri Bothma (Assistant Winemaker), Madame May de Lencquesaing, Natanya van Niekerk
Back Left to Right: Beyers Truter, Dirk Coetzee, Nicolas Bureau (Grandson of Mme de Lencquesaing and CEO of Glenelly), Elsabe Ferreira, Belinda Jacobs
Photo 5: Belinda Jacobs, Dirk Coetzee, Beyers Truter & Elsabe Ferreira
Photo 6: Elsabe Ferreira, Belinda Jacobs & Lucille Botha