Not only does September bring with it warmer weather, but on 24 September we as South Africans celebrate our heritage. Our deep rooted heritage encompasses so many things, one of these being the unique South African varietal that is Pinotage. Van Loveren Family Vineyards in Robertson pays tribute to their matriarch Christina van Loveren who arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in 1699, with the Christina Pinotage Trousseau 2017.

The Van Loveren vineyards have been in the Retief family since 1937 when Hennie Retief Sr bought land in the Robertson area and renamed the farm in tribute to the family line. Christina van Loveren is remembered as a remarkable woman who married the first Van Zyl – the maiden surname of Hennie Sr’s wife, Jean – to arrive in South Africa. The enterprise thrived and today Van Loveren is known for some of the country’s most recognisable wines.

Van Loveren’s progress is grounded in an acute awareness of heritage. Christina’s bridal chest (also known as a trousseau) handed down for generations and on the farm to this day, serves as one of the important reminders. The Christina Pinotage Trousseau 2017, which forms part of Van Loveren’s premium Heritage Collection, serves as one of these.

Sourced from a specific block of Pinotage vineyards on the Buitensorg farm the wine displays complex aromas of blackberry, subtle Christmas spices and dark chocolate, which are beautifully complemented by delicious rich plum, fig, damson, blackberry and elegant vanilla spice flavours on the palate. The finish is long and decadent, resulting in a wine guaranteed to age for eight years and more under perfect cellar conditions.

Enjoy on its own or partner with a freshly baked bobotie, another South African classic. Also pairs particularly well with red meat dishes and even curry. Stock up on this superb wine ahead of the festive season, which is available only from the Tasting Room or online via Van Loveren’s Wine Shop at R250 per bottle.

For more information visit http://www.vanloveren.co.za

Categories: Pinot Noir, Van Loveren Family VineyardsTags: Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Christina van Loveren, Heritage month, Pinotage, Robertson, Van Loveren Family Vineyards, Wine