When wine aficionados discuss Pinotage, one name that often pops up in the conversation as a leading exponent of this cultivar, is that of Bellevue Estate, situated in the Bottelary region outside Stellenbosch. Here General Manager and viticulturist Dirkie Morkel, has established more than 150 ha of fourteen different wine grape varieties, of which their 40 ha of Pinotage is their trump card. However, Bellevue is much more than Pinotage, having recently added to the estate’s extensive range of wines, is a new restaurant and wine tasting venue.
Adding to the superb wine offering is the recently released Bellevue “1953” Pinotage 2016, which is the culmination of decades of hard work in both the vineyard and the cellar. The wine derives its name from the fact that this particular vineyard was planted in 1953. This Pinotage block has been cultivated as a dry land vineyard for the past 64 years, with drip irrigation only installed in May 2017 to help the vines in dry spells as experienced in recent years. The vineyard is situated on a south-facing slope in the Bottelary Hills, which means slightly cooler temperatures during the summer months. The vineyard was planted in an East-West row direction on two different soil types, being Cartref and Westleigh.
The grapes for the “1953” Pinotage 2016 were hand-picked at optimum ripeness. After fermentation and regular pump overs in stainless steel tanks, the wine was matured for 18 months in small French oak barriques.
Another wine for the estate to boast about is the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes were sourced from a 19-year-old single block vineyard, aptly named Dodo, and what sets it apart from most of its counterpart is that this wine is only produced when the winemaker feels that it has been an exceptional vintage. The last vintage release was in 2012, which makes this wine truly extraordinary. On the nose, the Sauvignon Blanc is an explosion of tropical flavours such as pineapple, granadilla and litchi. These flavours are followed by green apple and a lingering freshness on the palate. The perfect Summer tipple which can be enjoyed, chilled, on its own, or paired with a seasonal salad, seafood or poultry dishes. Available directly from the Tasting Room at R60 per bottle.
The Bellevue “1953” Pinotage 2016 is available directly from the Tasting Room at R545 per bottle.
Although this historic wine estate (established in 1701) with its original Cape Dutch homestead built in 1803 and its 155 year old signal cannon, you’ll find the restaurant and tasting room a refreshing juxtaposition. Situated inside one of the historical wings of the cellar, the restaurant offers a modern, chic interior with an oversized terrace looking onto a lush green lawn, perfect for lazy afternoon lunches!
The menu offers a mouth-watering selection of dishes to suit any mood and taste, from scrumptious salads to lip-smacking starters and hearty mains. Not forgetting the signature pizzas and tasty platters to share, which are guaranteed to be a hit.
Whether you’re a large group or just popping in for a long-overdue catch up with a friend, this winelands gem is the perfect spot to enjoy a fabulous meal. This child-friendly restaurant will have you coming back for more!
The restaurant is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 09:00 to 17:00, Fridays from 09:00 to 19:00.
For more information on Bellevue’s many offerings, contact the estate on 021 865 2054
or info@bellevue.co.za, or visit www.bellevue.co.za.
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