# Lanzerac Pinotage (2021)

- **Producer:** Lanzerac Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinotage
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €89
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, plum, raspberry, cloves, vanilla, chocolate, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

The Lanzerac Pinotage 2021 is a red wine from Stellenbosch, South Africa, produced by Lanzerac Wines. This wine honors the winery's historical role as the producer of the world's first commercial Pinotage in 1959. The grapes are sourced from five distinct vineyard blocks in the Jonkershoek Valley, with vine ages varying from 4 to 24 years. These vineyards are situated at an altitude of 400-420 meters on deep red decomposed granite soils, contributing to the wine's character. The 2021 harvest took place between February 15th and March 3rd, yielding 4.8 tons per hectare. The wine undergoes maturation for a minimum of 15 months in a selection of French oak barrels.

## Interesting facts

- Lanzerac bottled the world's first commercial Pinotage in 1959.
- Grapes are sourced from five vineyard blocks in the Jonkershoek Valley.
- Vine ages range from 4 to 24 years old.
- The wine is aged for at least 15 months in French oak.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and robust tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats, while its fruit and spice notes can echo or contrast with accompanying herbs and sauces. The acidity helps to cut through fattier dishes, cleansing the palate.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Lanzerac Pinotage 2021 begins with handpicked and hand-sorted grapes from five vineyard blocks. After destemming and crushing, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with frequent pump-overs to enhance color and flavor extraction. Free-run and pressed wines are fermented separately. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barrels. The wine is then aged for a minimum of 15 months in a combination of new, second-fill, and third-fill French oak barrels. Regular rackings are performed to promote integration between the fruit, wood, and tannins.