Delheim's new vintages of old classics showcase pro-Pino terroir

Stellenbosch estate sets the trend for Pinotage expression

Delheim has unveiled the latest vintages of its classic wines that again show just how well Pinotage thrives in the foothills of the Simonsberg, home of the renowned Stellenbosch farm. The Delheim Pinotage and Delheim Pinotage Rosé each have long pedigrees of excellence and their continuous expressions complement this great tradition.

In fact, Delheim was among the first Pinotage producers in the 1960s.

"Cultivars are the product of their environment, but each has a sweet spot," says cellar master Roelof Lotriet, who joined Delheim in December after a sojourn at some of Stellenbosch's top boutique wine estates and a season in Bordeaux, France.

Working from a palette of outstanding grapes affords a winemaker the opportunity to explore styles and produce wines for diverse occasions. A case in point, the new Delheim Pinotage 2017 is a wine of alluring mystery and complexity while the Pinotage Rosé 2019 is fun and floral in character.

The former is a medium-bodied wine with a rich, crimson hue. Its juicy, red fruit aromas have an undertone of perfume and cloves. The palate has a savoury character with notes of cranberry and plum that lingers in a soft, elegant and oak-tinged finish. Just the ticket for a diverse variety of dishes, even sweets like a salted chocolate and berry ice-cream.

On the other hand, the Delheim Pinotage Rosé 2019 is fresh, fruit-driven and elegant. "The 2019 season was one of the coldest and therefore ideal conditions for producing rosé," says Roelof.

The result was wine of light salmon hue that shows pomegranate and cranberry on the nose with nuances of candy floss and floral blooms. While rosé is most commonly consumed as refreshment in warm weather, it pairs very well with winter dishes like spicy curries or a Thai coconut milk noodle soup.

Part of its popularity stems from the wine's vegan-friendliness. Unlike most other wines, only vegetable proteins are used to clarify the juice and wine.

Delheim was the first to produce a Pinotage Rosé in 1976, consistent excellence ensuring that it has remained one of the most popular rosé wines in SA.

Today it is a proud member of the Delheim Pinotage portfolio, alongside the flagship Vera Cruz. Both the Delheim Pinotage and Delheim Vera Cruz have featured among the prestigious Absa Pinotage Top 10.

The recommended retail price for the Pinotage Rosé is between R80 and R85; and for the Delheim Pinotage, R145 to R150.

For more information, visit www.delheim.com or contact Delheim on info@delheim.com or 021 888 4600. Also find Delheim on Facebook, Twitter @Delheim and Instagram @delheimwines.

Delheim Estate is in the Simonsberg sub-region of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, on the Knorhoek Road, off the R44.

Issued by: RANDOM HAT COMMUNICATIONS
Pictures: SUPPLIED

©2019 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA