Found in Stellenbosch, a region of fine red wine, Kanonkop is reputed for the quality of its Pinotage, which is an emblematic South African grape. The name of this family estate is a reference to the canon used in the 17th and 18th centuries to alert residents to the arrival of a merchant ship. Today, the estate is run by brothers Paul and Johann Krige.
Kanonkop’s 100 hectares of vineyards are planted with Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, between 180 and 365 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand then sorted meticulously, before undergoing a vinification that involves punching down every two hours for maximum extraction of the fruit. The wine is matured in oak barrels for 12 to 24 months depending on the cuvée.
Kanonkop has two ranges of wine: Kadette, using grapes bought from other growers and matured for 12 months, and Estate, a range of wines made from grapes grown at the domain itself and aged for up to twice as long.
An unmissable South African estate that has made a more than significant contribution to the country’s excellent reputation for wine.

This cuvée puts one of South Africa’s own grapes in the spotlight, a varietal well-suited to a very hot and dry climate; Pinotage is a red-fleshed grape between a Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Of the 100 hectares cultivated by the estate, half of them are used for growing this kind of vine. In Kanonkop’s Estate range, all of the grapes are sourced from the domain itself, putting in-house production at the heart of their work.
In the glass, this wine has a purple tinge to it, carrying notes of plum, cherry, and mild spices. It has a lovely fruitiness on the palate, with earthy hints evolving after a couple of years in the cellar. This wine will pair nicely with meat-based dishes such as venison.