The great workhorse of the wine world, the Grenache grape, is finally coming into its own with some highly rated wines out there.
Here on the West Coast, wine lovers have dubbed the Van Zyls’ Piekenierskloof Wines the ‘Grenache HQ’. Not only does it have one of the largest Grenache plantings in the Cape, but its extensive collection of old, unirrigated bush vine continuously delivers outstanding wines.
High-toned but spry, the Piekenierskloof Grenache Noir 2023 is a doozy. It’s rich and complex, while bursting with cherry and black fruit flavours. These are tempered with smoky notes of aniseed and cumin spice. In addition to winning several awards, Tim Atkin gave it a score of 90. According to wine.co.za, it’s well balanced with lively fine tannins and an elegant complexity on a long finish. And we wouldn’t argue with that.
Enjoy this food-friendly wine with seafood, sushi, pizza, pasta and chicken dishes.
Tastings take place at the conveniently located De Tol Deli on the N7 Piekenierskloof pass, just before Citrusdal. In summer, it’s a refuge from the heat and in winter, you can heat up beside the hearth. Line your tummy with the deli’s signature roosterkoek or other light meals.
Book: 067 4103315. Shop online: https://piekenierskloofwines.co.za.
