At this year’s Global Fine Wine Challenge, Diemersdal, a Durbanville family-owned wine estate, proudly upheld Pinotage’s reputation by securing a coveted Double Gold accolade for their Diemersdal Pinotage Reserve 2022. Amongst wines from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA, this estate stood tall, showcasing their excellence in a competition that annually evaluates 120 wines from each participating New World country.
Hosted in Sydney, Australia, this prestigious challenge rigorously assesses wines from these nations, seeking to unearth the finest offerings within this segment of the wine world. Diemersdal’s triumph was remarkable as one of the 90 wines awarded the esteemed Double Gold in the Fine Wine Challenge, marking the sole Double Gold for Pinotage, South Africa’s renowned red grape variety.
Thys Louw, the sixth-generation owner-winemaker at Diemersdal, expressed satisfaction in securing a Pinotage Double Gold for South Africa at this distinguished competition, emphasizing the variety’s potential to craft exceptional wines with widespread appeal.
“While Pinotage holds a significant place in Cape wine industry tradition, it’s relatively young on the global stage, with its first commercial wine dating back to 1959,” notes Louw. “As we deepen our understanding of the vineyards, fermentation techniques, skin contact, and aging processes, Pinotage will continue to captivate consumers locally and internationally. Any international recognition bestowed upon Pinotage validates its standing on the global wine platform, and Diemersdal feels honored to have contributed to this achievement for both Pinotage and South Africa this year.”
The Diemersdal Reserve Pinotage 2022 hails from 26-year-old unirrigated vines thriving in decomposed granite soils exposed to the maritime influences of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. These grapes underwent meticulous fermentation in open fermenters with carefully timed punch-downs and pump-overs every three hours. Aged for 14 months in French oak barriques, with 40% being new, this wine epitomizes the dedication and craft behind Diemersdal’s acclaimed Pinotage.
