Earthbound Organic Pinotage 2014

Wine of Origin: Papkuilsfontein

Winemaker: Heinrich Kulsen

Background:  The wine brand Earthbound (previously called Tukulu) is one of South Africa’s foremost empowerment labels and the Papkuilsfontein Vineyards are jointly owned by the large wine company Distell, a consortium of taverner’s from Gauteng and a local community trust representing the wine farm

The farm has 375ha under vine and nestles against the Dassenberg mountains. They are situated 25km from the sea and  enjoy relatively cool temperatures. On shore cold breezes cool the vineyards while the range of hills around the farm protect the vines from the potentially damaging effects of the south-easter. In addition, the farm has an above-average rainfall for the West Coast, so minimal irrigation is required. The farm soils are predominantly Tukulu, which is the name given to the deep red soils found on the Papkuilsfontein vineyards between Darling and Mamre  in the Western Cape. The range of Earthbound wines offer excellent value and quality and are Fairtrade and WIETA accredited which translates into the winery looking after the people that help to produce the wines.

Winemaker, Heinrich Kulsen, produces the Earthbound range, which are all certified organic and consist of two white wines and three reds including their very popular Pinotage. Once the grapes were harvested for the 2014 Pinotage they were fermented in their SGS organically certified cellar. After malolactic fermentation the wine spent 7 months in in French Oak prior to filtration and bottling.

Result: The wine has a bright velvety red colour with black cherry and spicy aromas. The palate is complex and well balanced with delicious ripe plum flavour with subtle liquorice on the mid palate leading to a savoury rich finish.

When to drink: now – 2018

Drink with what: Shannon Smuts of Pure Good prepared us a delicious braised lamb with dark chocolate and plum sauce with creamed nasturtium mash, sautéed sweet spice, shimeji mushrooms and tempura flowers – all organically grown!

Expect to pay: R67.00