Description
What kind of wine it is
Bellingham The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage is a still red wine that expresses the authenticity of the South African grape variety. Visually, it displays a deep ruby colour with violet highlights. The bouquet offers aromas of black cherry, blueberry and raspberry, enriched by mineral notes and sweet spices. On the palate, it shows a robust and enveloping structure, where the density of the fruit merges with silky tannins and balanced acidity. Notes of smoked meat and truffle emerge, leading to a long and persistent finish. Ideal paired with grilled meats, game and mature cheeses, it is best enjoyed after an hour of decanting.
Where it comes from
The grapes come from South Africa's Coastal Region, grown as bush vines without irrigation on plants up to forty-three years old. These old, low-yielding vines produce small berries, ensuring a remarkable concentration of flavours. The terroir is characterised by decomposed granite soils, which impart a clear mineral imprint to the flavour profile. The Bellingham label dedicates this wine to the spirit of its historic pioneer, offering a territorial expression with a high ageing potential, suitable for long-term cellaring.
How it is produced
Production begins with a manual harvest and a rigorous selection of bunches. Fermentation takes place in open French oak vats with daily punch-downs, encouraging the extraction of colour and phenolic compounds. The wine completes malolactic fermentation before ageing for twelve to eighteen months in French oak barrels. This process shapes the tannic texture and allows the Pinotage grape to integrate with the spicy notes of the wood, delivering a substantial and balanced sip that fully respects the nature of the original grape variety.
History and Curiosities
Founded in 1693, the historic Bellingham estate celebrates the boldness of its pioneer with the prestigious The Bernard Series range. This exclusive Pinotage from South Africa's Coastal Region is produced from old bush vines over forty years old, cultivated without irrigation to give the wine exceptional aromatic concentration. Fermented and matured in fine French oak, the 2022 vintage reveals an enveloping and complex profile, awarded 91 points by Robert Parker, confirming its outstanding oenological excellence.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
18 - 20 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1693
The Podlashuks replanted the farm to vineyards and travelled to France and Germany to do extensive wine research. Upon return, they buckled down and released the Cape’s first rosé in 1949, followed in quick succession by the Premier Grand Cru in 1951 and the first single varietal Shiraz in 1956.
The 80s and 90s saw vineyard developments, cellar extensions and the beginning of Bellingham’s classic New World winemaking philosophy. Today, while still inspired by its history of innovation, ingenuity and foresight, the brand is firmly set in the 21st century, producing contemporary, structured wines with an unmistakable sense of place and style. Read more
| Name | Bellingham The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage Limited Release 2022 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | N/A |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Pinotage |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | South Africa |
| Vendor | Bellingham |
| Story | History and Curiosities Founded in 1693, the historic Bellingham estate celebrates the boldness of its pioneer with the prestigious The Bernard Series range. This exclusive Pinotage from South Africa's Coastal Region is produced from old bush vines over forty years old, cultivated without irrigation to give the wine exceptional aromatic concentration. Fermented and matured in fine French oak, the 2022 vintage reveals an enveloping and complex profile, awarded 91 points by Robert Parker, confirming its outstanding oenological excellence. |
| Origin | Coastal Region, South Africa |
| Soil composition | Decomposed granite soils |
| Production technique | Manual harvest; fermentation in open French oak vats with daily punch-downs; malolactic fermentation completed in barriques; ageing 12 8 months in French oak barriques (6-50% new wood) |
| Wine making | Hand harvesting; fermentation in open French oak vats with daily punching down; malolactic fermentation completed in barriques; ageing for about 12 8 months in French oak barriques (6-50% new wood). |
| Aging | Aged for approximately 12 8 months in French oak barriques (6-50% new wood) |
| Residual sugar | 2.7 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |

