Celebrating Pinotage
This October, we have two big reasons to raise a glass. Pinotage, South Africa’s very own grape, is turning 100. And here at Rijk's Wine Estate, we're celebrating our 25th vintage.
For the past quarter of a century, Pinotage has been at the heart of everything we do. It’s part of who we are, and it’s our privilege to share its story from our home in Tulbagh with wine lovers near and far. These milestones remind us just how special Pinotage is – a grape that’s proudly South African, just like us.
Just in time for the celebrations, we’re excited to share three new releases from our Pinotage range – the Touch Pinotage 2023, the Private Cellar Pinotage 2022, and the Reserve Pinotage 2021.
Each vintage reflects the heritage of Pinotage and the care we put into every harvest. Whether you’re toasting 100 years of South Africa’s home-grown grape, celebrating 25 vintages of Rijk’s, or simply opening a bottle at home, these new wines are made to enjoy and share.
Touch Pinotage 2023
A rich, fruit-forward, and robust wine, the bouquet brims with lush, blackberry and dark cherry aromas, accented by hints of pepper and a whisper of dark chocolate. The palate is velvety and indulgent, striking a fine balance between smooth, well-defined tannins, vibrant acidity, and intense dark-fruit flavours.
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Private Cellar Pinotage 2022
This deep garnet wine reveals rich, dark fruit aromas of blackberry, plum, and boysenberry on the nose. These bold aromas extend onto a luxurious, velvety palate, lingering briefly after each sip. Supple, well-integrated, and refined tannins ensure this wine’s seamless harmony and balance.
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Reserve Pinotage 2021
This deep ruby red coloured Pinotage has a complex nose of red berries, cherry and plum, backed by pure Pinotage fruit. These red fruit aromas carry through onto a rich palate supported by a good concentration of tannin and well-integrated oak, which lends subtle wood spices that complement the fruit.
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A new season, spring
The vineyards are well into their new season, with the vines now in bloom and the canopy filling out beautifully. Earlier in spring, bud burst signaled the start of growth, and since then, the team has been busy with thinning in the vineyards to ensure balance and quality.
The cover crops were rolled flat a few weeks ago, enriching the soil and preparing it for the season ahead.
After generous winter rains, our dams remain full, and there’s a strong sense of life and energy across the farm.
As Pinotage celebrates 100 years and Rijk’s marks 25 vintages, the vineyards remind us that each season is an opportunity to grow, to evolve, and to celebrate the future. We couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.
Thank you for being part of the Rijk’s family. We look forward to sharing another season in the vineyards – and in your glass – with you.