Grapes flourish here. Kanonkop Wine Estate stands as a testament to South Africa’s rich winemaking heritage. Many consider Kanonkop the South African equivalent of a Premier Cru. It is a place where family values, tradition, and history intertwine. These values are as crucial to crafting magnificent wines as the ancient soils and cool Atlantic air.
Kanonkop is more than just a wine estate. It is a journey through time. The Krige family has owned Kanonkop Estate since 1929. Paul Sauer, grandfather to the current owners, inherited the bare farmland.
The tasting venue is a modern facility. Here, you can sample and purchase Kanonkop wines. A video showcases the process of growing vines and making wine. Portraits of iconic figures remind you of the estate’s legacy. Look for the line of Paul Sauer bottles ranging from 750ml to the massive 18-litre Mandelazar. A display showcases the various soil types. The bronze bust of Paul Sauer adds gravitas. A gift shop offers clothing, art, and souvenirs.
Since 1973, Kanonkop has been synonymous with Pinotage. The estate’s reputation has grown. Consumers recognize the wine quality and brand excellence. Kanonkop has earned recognition as one of the World’s Most Admired Wine Brands. The estate won the International Winemaker of the Year trophy four times.
In 2018, Kanonkop’s Paul Sauer 2015 earned a perfect 100pt rating. Tim Atkin MW’s Cape Wine Report gave the rating. Today, Kanonkop aims to make exceptional classic red wines. These wines showcase the Simonsberg terroir through hands-on winemaking.
In 1973, Jannie Krige launched two Kanonkop wines. This launch coincided with Jan Boland Coetzee’s Springbok debut against the Lions. The wines’ exceptional quality established South Africa’s famous red wine producer. Winemakers Beyers Truter and Abrie Beeslaar continued this dedication to wine quality.
Kanonkop Wine Estate specialises in red varietals. Pinotage makes up 50% of all plantings. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc comprise the rest. Wines are traditionally made in open concrete fermenters. This maximizes skin contact. They are aged only in French oak barrels.
Kanonkop’s acclaimed flagship wine is Paul Sauer. It is a Bordeaux blend mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon. Other offerings include an estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a Pinotage, and a Black Label premium cuvee. The Kadette line uses younger vines for top-value wines.
Kanonkop earned the Outstanding Wine Producer award in 2019. The Pinotage Association sponsors this award. This award recognizes Kanonkop’s role in producing quality Pinotage wines.
In 1925, Abraham Izak Perold created Pinotage. He crossed Pinot Noir with Hermitage. Kanonkop’s relationship with Pinotage runs deep. Paul Sauer studied under Perold. The first plantings occurred in the 1940s. The oldest vineyard is the 1953 “Black Label” Pinotage block.
Beyers Truter, winemaker from 1981 to 2003, elevated the brand. He proved that Pinotage could make great wine. In 1991, Beyers received the Robert Mondavi Trophy. He was named Best Winemaker in the World for the Kanonkop Pinotage 1989.
Kanonkop’s Pinotage showcases elegance and grace. Some years offer riper fruit. Others offer vibrant freshness. The decomposed granite soils contribute structure and mid-palate presence. The winery’s flagship wine, Kanonkop Paul Sauer, has earned international acclaim. It creates a symphony of dark fruits and elegant tannins.
The estate’s vineyards are meticulously managed. Low yields and optimal grape ripeness are ensured. These practices result in wines that reflect the terroir of Stellenbosch. As you savor the wines of Kanonkop remember the generations of dedication. It is a legacy of quality and a true South African treasure.