16/05/2026
Spice Route Pinotage 2024 reflects the rugged character of its Malmesbury bush-vine vineyard. These vines, planted in 1997 on koffieklip soils, grow without irrigation and deliver small, concentrated berries. A touch of fruit from Darling lifts the wine with cool-climate freshness.
The team hand-harvested the grapes in February 2024. They fermented whole bunches in 5-ton concrete fermenters and punched down the cap twice a day to build colour and flavour. After pressing, they moved the wine into tight-grain American oak barrels, using 30% new oak for extra depth. The wine completed malolactic fermentation and matured in barrel, gaining warm spice and a soft caramel edge.
Charl du Plessis describes the style as modern Pinotage: ripe fruit, soft tannins and an easy, generous palate that still reflects true Swartland character.
