It displays a ruby red colour. On the nose, it has notes of cherries and mulberries, complemented by the
sweet spiciness that is typical of fine Pinotage.

On the palate, medium-bodied, with fine-grained, silky tannins. The palate is smooth and offers seductive notes of crushed pomegranate, juicy plums, and black cherries. Refined and sophisticated, with a delicate balance, showcasing the finesse and restrained power of modern Pinotage.

Service: Serve at 15-20°C.

Food Pairing: Excellent with beef, pasta in tomato sauce, spicy food, pork, poultry, and vegetarian dishes.

The winemaker Dirk Coetzee was mentored by the legendary Stellenbosch “Pope of Pinotage”, Francois Naudé. He specialises in site specific, authentic wines in the most revered winemaking region in South Africa. "L’Avenir is a boutique specialist of modern Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. Showcasing the versatility and class of Pinotage by producing single vineyard wines, is my greatest passion and pleasure" he says.

Situated on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, the 32 hectare estate is in the heart of South Africa’s most revered wine appellation. Owned by the French leader of terroir wines, L’Avenir produces authentic South African wines with a touch of French flair. L’Avenir’s rich history dates back to the late 1600s, when the estate was one of the very first sites identified for grape growing by the Cape’s earliest European settlers. The estate was renamed L’Avenir in 1992 by Mark Wiehe, a Mauritian businessman, who left a career of trading sugar in London to purchase the farm.

In 2005, the estate was acquired by Michel Laroche, the owner of the well-known Chablis property, Maison Laroche. And in 2012, it joined Advini, the reputed wine group owned by the JeanJean family of France.

2 - Moving on Up*

L'Avenir Estate, managed by Edo Heyns, is a family-owned vineyard in Stellenbosch, South Africa, with a history dating back to 1703. The estate covers 70 hectares, with 66% under vine cultivation and 14% preserved as natural woodland.

The vineyard demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable practices, highlighted by its regenerative approach to viticulture. This includes prioritising soil health, minimising intervention in the winemaking process, and adopting practices that align with environmental sustainability. L'Avenir focuses on producing high-quality wines, particularly Pinotage, aligning with their vision for the future.

In response to challenges like residential expansion and climate change, L'Avenir is proactively expanding their Pinotage plantings. They have received the Sustainable Agriculture certification from IPW and are recognised by Wieta for socially responsible wine production.

A key aspect of L'Avenir's sustainability approach is their involvement in community development. The estate runs the Pebbles After School Care facility, contributing to local education. L'Avenir maintains a balance between environmental care and community support, underlining their holistic approach to sustainability.

With plans to pursue regenerative viticulture certification, L'Avenir Estate continues to advance its sustainable practices, contributing positively to both the environment and the local community.

Red | Still | 75cl | 14% ABV | Contains Sulphites

Cellaring: Drinking well now, will develop over 10-15 years.

Vinification: Grapes were harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. Each vineyard was individually vinified. Once the grapes were crushed, the mash was cooled and fermentation took place for 5-10 days at 24-26°C. Upon completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine was matured in steel tanks, as well as 300-litre French barrels for 10 to 14 months, using a combination of new, second, and third-fill French oak. The final blend was based on a meticulous barrel selection.