Lievland Vineyards 'Bushvine' Pinotage, Paarl, Western Cape 2021

Lievland Vineyards 'Bushvine' Pinotage, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa 2021

Lievland, directly translated, means “Love Land” and there are few who come onto this historic Stellenbosch estate that isn’t charmed by its bucolic beauty. 20 years ago, Lievland was considered one of South Africa’s top wine estates.

The farm is situated in Stellenbosch, along what is referred to as the Simonsberg “Golden Mile” of wine estates. Along the way, this historic wine estate garnered several firsts: it is said to be the first to have a female winemaker and the first to produce a certified barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc.

• Winemaker: Riaan Möller and Mahalia Kotjane
  
• Farming: Sustainable (IPW Certified)
  Variety: 95% Pinotage, 5% Grenache
• Terroir: A blend of two unique bushvine vineyards in the Agter-Paarl region. 
• Vinification/Aging: The grapes were hand-harvested. Fermentation commenced after two days of cold maceration. Mixing was done by pump-overs three times a day. Because Pinotage has a naturally thick skin and high phenolic content, the wine was separated from the skins immediately after fermentation, and pumped directly to barrel for 11 months of aging in French oak (15% new).  
  
• Tasting Note: Elegant and refined, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, vanilla, and cedar. Bright red berries and plums on the palate, the rich texture and acidity are balanced at every sip.
  
• Pairings: This wine can be enjoyed with traditional South African dishes such as roasted Karoo lamb or Springbok pie or even served slightly chilled with Cape Malay curried fish.