False Bay Bush Vine Pinotage 2022

The False Bay Bush Vine Pinotage is not from irrigated, overcrowded, hot and stressed vineyards. The sustainably grown vineyards are located on the coast and always experience a fresh breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. The dry-grown bush vines have had plenty of time to adapt and settle into place. And of course at False Bay: everything is handpicked, spontaneous fermentation, wild yeasts and barrel-aged. Perhaps that is why the wine has that nice juicy 'Pinot' style. No rustic “smoky” notes here, but rich and soft with spicy red fruit in the nose. Juicy red fruit on the palate with soft tannins. Delicious with country pâté en croute.

Decanter - 93 points (2020)
“Appealing blackberry, violet, sour cherry and savory herbs. Lovely definition. Firm yet elegant tannins. Drink 2022-2030. 93/100”

In 1993, owner Paul Boutinot began his search for a vineyard with a clear "terroir" signature. The Côte d'Or, Chablis, Paulliac, Barolo, were not eligible due to their price. So he had to find a new classic. It took ten year to limit the search to a small area on the southern and cool slopes of the Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay in the Cape. Waterkloof was born and the hard work began only in 2005.

From the outset it was decided that the other half of the farm should be reserved to preserve the rare and abundant natural vegetation, fauna and flora (fynbos) on the site. As a logical consequence of these efforts, it was decided in 2008 to start converting Waterkloof into a fully-fledged farm with integrated organic and biodynamic agriculture. Demeter certified today as well as one of the first wine estates in South Africa to receive WWF Biodiversity and Wine Initiative Champion status.

Waterkloof has an entire zoo working on the vines and the green team consists of horses used instead of tractors for ploughing, composting, spraying and harvesting. Cattle provide manure for biodynamic preparations and compost. Sheep graze in the vineyards, eating weeds and enriching the soil with nitrogen and potassium from their manure. Chickens roam freely among the vines, eat weevils and lay fresh eggs for use in the luxurious restaurant of the fully regenerative estate.

Finally, in 2009, a state-of-the-art gravity cellar, tasting room and restaurant was built on the Schapenberg and Waterkloof began exporting its unique wines around the world. Waterkloof is today the reference for South African wines with a European touch. Their brands such as False Bay, Peacock Wild Ferment and Circle of life are now guarantees of top quality and unique in their kind!