The South African wine industry stands tall as a symbol of craftsmanship and diversity, with each varietal adding its unique charm to this vibrant landscape. At the heart of this is Pinotage, a homegrown cultivar striving to shine the brightest among the industry’s many gems. Despite the obstacles facing the local wine sector, the annual Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards is a proud reminder of South Africa’s viticultural heritage and the remarkable quality our winemakers continue to produce.
The 2024 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards saw 112 entries from 65 distinguished wineries, with submissions representing 29 unique Wine of Origin regions. Pinotage, once again, took centre stage, showcasing its pivotal role in the South African wine narrative. Leading the charge was Stellenbosch, with 57 wines entered, followed by Paarl with 21 entries. Other regions like Robertson, Swartland, and Breedekloof/Worcester also made their mark, ensuring a diverse representation of the country’s wine-growing prowess.
The competition highlighted the depth of vintages presented, ranging from youthful, one-year-old wines to a venerable twelve-year-old offering. The mix of 71 young wines (one to three years old) provided a fascinating journey for the judges, offering a snapshot of how each vintage develops and telling the story behind every bottle.
While production has faced hurdles, the consistent quality of Pinotage demonstrates the dedication and expertise of South African winemakers. Pinotage continues to grow as a proudly local cultivar, representing both the resilience of the industry and its potential for further growth in the years to come.
As the largest agricultural financier in South Africa, Absa remains committed to supporting winemakers in their pursuit of excellence. The passion and innovation shown by the winners of the 2024 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards reflect the ongoing evolution and success of South African wine on the global stage.
The success of the 2024 competition was supported by an esteemed judging panel, which carefully selected the wines that best represented the unique qualities of Pinotage. Each wine highlighted the essence of this remarkable grape and its place in South African winemaking.
With these outstanding wines now available, we invite wine lovers to embark on a journey through the richness of South African Pinotage. Every glass reflects the dedication, skill, and unique terroirs that make South African wines truly special.
The 2024 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Winners:
- Beeslaar Wines – Beeslaar Pinotage 2022 (WO: Stellenbosch)
- Beyerskloof Wines – Beyerskloof Winemakers Reserve Pinotage 2022 (WO: Stellenbosch)
- Diemersdal Wine Estate – Diemersdal Pinotage Reserve 2022 (WO: Durbanville)
- Flagstone Winery – Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2021 (WO: Swartland)
- Francois van Niekerk Wines – Francois van Niekerk Pinotage 2022 (WO: Coastal)
- Kanonkop Wine Estate – Kanonkop Pinotage 2018 (WO: Simonsberg – Stellenbosch)
- Koelenhof Cellar – Stellenbosch 1679 Old Vine Pinotage 2022 (WO: Stellenbosch)
- Rijk’s Cellar – Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage 2020 (WO: Tulbagh)
- Wellington Wines – La Cave Pinotage 2022 (WO: Wellington)
- Windmeul Cellar – Windmeul The Legend Collection Pinotage 2022 (WO: Paarl)
About the Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards
The Absa Top 10 Pinotage Awards celebrate the finest expressions of Pinotage, a truly South African cultivar. These awards honour the winemakers who continuously push boundaries, showcasing the rich diversity and terroirs of South Africa’s wine regions. Let’s raise a glass to the remarkable winemaking talent and the ongoing success of Pinotage as a South African icon!
