Abrie Beeslaar, winemaker at esteemed Stellenbosch property Kanonkop, now has his own label named Beeslaar. Abrie explains the origin of the grapes as being “a property about two kilometres from Kanonkop in the direction of the Bottelary Road.” The wine is matured for 17 months in French oak, 50% new oak.
“Beeslaar Pinotage is one of the most profound interpretations of the often tricky Pinotage grape that you can imagine. It’s the Grand Cru Burgundy of Pinotages: structured, fresh, complex, ageworthy and elegant despite its obvious concentration.” —Jamie GoodePinotage genius
“Abrie Beeslaar shows all his understanding of this tricky grape.” —Tim Atkin, M.W.
Year Founded: 2011
Proprietors: Abrie & Jeanne Beeslaar
Size of property: 2.5ha of bushvine Pinotage (contracted)
Terroir: At this stage one site has been identified on a slight South Easterly slope at 200m above sea level. The soils are shale that are well drained. The area gets around 650mm of rain a year mainly through the winter. One of the key quality factors is the South Easterly wind that blow through most of the summer, that does not only cool down the vineyards, but also limits the growth of the bushvine plants.
Annual Production: 750 cases
Varieties Cultivated: Pinotage