Bodewell 2020 Pinotage Swartland, South Africa
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Bodewell 2020 Pinotage Swartland, South Africa
Vintage Swartland’s 2020 vintage was a love story between vineyard and environment. Late winter rainfall hydrated the region’s ancient shale and granite-based soils, setting them up for summer. During summer, vineyards enjoyed long sun-kissed days undisturbed by storms. This yielded a bountiful harvest, with larger yields than the previous year and wines that embody the balance and harmony of a beautiful summer.
Region In 1925, South African viticulturalist Abraham Izak Perold crossed the grape varieties Pinot Noir and Cinsault. He hoped to combine Pinot Noir’s nuanced aromas and flavors and Cinsault’s ability to withstand South Africa’s weather. This crossing created the warmth-loving grape Pinotage, which thrives in Swartland, a region known for its hot, dry climate and well-drained shale and granite soils. Its vineyards are the perfect home for this distinctly South African grape, shaping wines with rich, ripe fruit flavors and robust textures.
Tasting notes There is no mistaking this South African specialty. A bombastic burst of roasted coffee, dark chocolate and caramel aromas greet you on the nose, revealing the wine’s warm, oaky character. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, with ripe blackberry, mulberry, and boysenberry notes on the front of each sip that give way to a lingering, toasty, mocha-like finish.
Aromas and flavors coffee, dark chocolate, caramel, blackberry, boysenberry, mulberry, mocha
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Pairing logic This Pinotage has a strong personality and doesn’t necessarily need food to shine. This is important to consider when deciding what dishes to pair it with. The best pairings will also feature robust flavors that stand their ground. Opt for grilled red meats with gamey BBQ flavors or smoked cheeses like Gouda or Gruyere to complement its toasted oak characteristics and emphasize its smooth textures. For a playful twist, enjoy it with dark chocolate-covered espresso beans to further emphasize the wine’s unique coffee style.
Menu suggestions • Charcuterie board with dried berries and aged, hard cheeses • Barbecue baked potato with bacon crumbles • Smoked gouda mac and cheese • Char-grilled lamb chops with fig sauce • Smoked brisket • T-bone steak with cherry balsamic reduction
Serving instructions Temperature: Room temperature (60–65°F) Decanting time: 30 minutes Glassware: Bordeaux glass
Winemaking Coffee Pinotage originated in South Africa. To achieve this beloved regional style, winemakers age the wine in heavily charred or “toasted” oak barrels after fermentation. As it ages, the barrels impart inviting coffee or chocolate-like characteristics to the wine while smoothing textures. The result is a wine that combines the fruit-driven attributes of Pinotage with the robust, toasty flavors associated with coffee.
Spotlight Cellar • Oak aging adds complexity and flavor while softening tannins. • “Toast” refers to the charring on the inside of oak barrels.
Vineyard • Rainfall early in the season keeps vines hydrated throughout ripening. • Free-draining soils maintain an ideal level of moisture in the vineyard.
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