Beyerskloof Traildust Cape Blend 2022

Grapes were picked at optimum ripeness. Made in open fermenters, on the skins for 4-6 days at an average temp. of 26°C. Punching of the cap was done every 2 hours to extract good colour and flavours from the grapes. After malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine aged in third-fill French oak barrels for 12 months.

We had ideal winter conditions that supplemented water reserves and contributed to even growth, which provided an excellent foundation for the 2022 crop. Following a cool run-up to the season, sudden heat peaks in December and January resulted in sunburn damage on certain vineyard blocks. At the same time, we experienced unexpected rainfall, which led to high disease pressure that caused challenges in minimising the effects of powdery and downy mildew. As temperatures remained moderate throughout the rest of the season, the grapes took their time to reach optimum ripeness, and the start of harvest was delayed by 10-14 days. The 2022 crop was larger than 2021 due to ideal winter conditions. Judging by the quality of the wines currently in the cellar, we anticipate another classic Stellenbosch vintage.

12 months

34% Pinotage; 33% Cinsault' 33% Pinot Noir

This wine is best served chilled (14°C) and combines well with Moroccan lamb and Thai curries.

One of South Africa’s top red wine cellars, the Stellenbosch producer is unrivalled as a Pinotage specialist. With 150 hectare of vineyards based in the premium wine district of Stellenbosch, Beyerskloof ensures the growth of their quality-driven, oak matured, hand-pressed premium range of wines. It was 30 years back that the brand which has become synonymous with Pinotage was ‘born’ when the first vineyard was planted at the small home farm off the Koelenhof road, bought in 1988. Following the 1997 acquisition of 100 hectares in the Bottelary Winelands of Stellenbosch, the landholding increased again in 2018 with the purchase of a 50 hectares spread of vineyards known as Kriekbult between the winery and the Simonsberg as viewed from the deck of the bistro at Beyerskloof. Marvelling at growth and development during the 30 years since Beyers thrust his hands into the soil and planted the first vines on home soil, it’s exciting to contemplate what the next 30 years might hold as Anri and the Beyerskloof family push the envelope viticulturally and in the cellar. Might there even be one more expression of Pinotage in the making?