Zevenwacht is a privately owned estate specialising in the production of innovative hand crafted wines. It’s fairly large for a private enterprise, about 450 hectares with 200 hectares under vine. The other 250 are dedicated to their associated enterprises all surrounded by beautiful parkland. They have a restaurant, accomodation and spa, with a chef school, a cheesery making cheese from Friesland milk, and of course a wine tasting room. They offer various functions on the estate from conferences to weddings!  Their wines are quite special. Wine maker Jacques Viljoen uses tried and tested old school methods but also embraces modern technology and innovation. The result is wines with a classical elegance and modern twist. Every single one of their wines that I’ve tried has been excellent.

What’s it like?

This is a great example of Pinotage. Many Pinotages available in the UK tend to be poor quality, tannic and harsh, and this can put people off Pinotage for life. Here’s an example of a wine which can do the opposite however. It’s 100% Pinotage, hand harvested then fermented in new French oak , transferred to second fill French oak where it’s subsequently aged for nine months prior to bottling. The wine is cherry in colour with aromas of coffee and spice. Strong cherry flavours on the palate with vanilla on the finish. It’s delicious.

How much? Where can I buy some?

You can buy Zevenwacht Pinotage from www.goodwineonline.co.uk for £9.95