The Bernard Series Bush Vines Pinotage 2010
Winemaker Niel Groenewald
DGB Managing Director for UK & Ireland Gareth Anderson accepts the International Trophy from Panel Chairman Steven Spurrier
The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage 2010 has won the coveted International Trophy for Best Red Single Varietal over £10 at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2012 announced in London last week.
“Winning the South Africa regional award in May for a single varietal red over £10 was already a great honour, and that with Pinotage!” says winemaker Niël Groenewald. “Taking the International Trophy is completely beyond expectation.
It goes to show that Pinotage can really show its true potential brilliantly amongst the most pedigreed varietals in a world class quality category.”
The Decanter World Wine Awards is one of the most highly regarded wine competitions in the world. This 9th year attracted more than 14000 entries from over 47 countries judged by 200 experts including Masters of Wine, top wine merchants, Master sommeliers, journalists and authors where less than 1% of the entries receive the prestigious Regional trophies, and less than 0.2% of entries are awarded the ultimately prized International Trophies.
The contemporary style and intrigue of The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage has already garnered high praise at International competitions of late boosting the reputation of Bellingham and flying the flag proudly for Pinotage as a variety and the South African wine industry as a whole.
As a range, The Bernard Series represents the quintessential innovative ethos entrenched by Bellingham’s founder, Bernard Podlashuk.
This is the ultimate platform for our winemaker to take measured creative decisions between site specific terroir and individualistic vinification.
Winning wine, The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage 2010, is a modern rendition of South Africa’s unique variety. Described by the Decanter judges as ‘a gorgeous wine that just keeps on giving’ it is fantastically intricate with tremendous complexity and balance thanks to the two specific bush vine origins. “In many ways, these two distinct vineyards offer glimpses into the parentage of Pinotage, with the grapes from Darling showing almost Cinsaut based characters whilst the Bottelary vineyards have a Pinot Noir edge,” says Niel. “The soils are predominantly weathered granite and Malmesbury shale and the vines are mature untrellised bush vines between 20 and 38 years old at the time of harvest. This combination in relation to the two climates afforded low yields, excellent concentration and amazing character in the 2010 Vintage.”
True to vintage, the 2010 Bush Vine Pinotage is outspoken with lavish ripe black berries, cherries, smoked meats and hints of truffle with a subtle brush of French oak, all tightly woven to an appealing textured savoury finish. “It’s packed with personality and poise – very engaging already, but with the power to develop and get better in the next 5-10 years,” enthuses Niël.
The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage 2010 is available from select fine wine retailers at an average retail selling price of R170.
