Backsberg, Pinotage Rosé, Paarl, South Africa, 2022

About The Producer:  Father and son team Michael and Simon Back operate one of the oldest and most reputed wineries in the Simonsberg area. While the estate's history dates back to 1916 when it became the first winery in South Africa to open a public tasting room, Backsberg has recently become internationally acclaimed for its efforts to make environmentally sustainable wines. 

Backsberg is South Africa's first carbon neutral winery and is engaged in a number of projects to reduce its environmental impact. The Tread Lightly range of wines uses innovative PET packaging to reduce packaging weight.

Backsberg's winemaking philosophy is rooted in "the simple pleasures:" drinkable and personable wines for any occasion.

Vineyards bakery Berger found on the slopes of the impressive mountain Simon, between Paarl and Stellenbosch (South Africa). They have a total area of ​​about 110 hectares, with more vineyards in two other areas. The region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with sunny summer days and cold winter periods. The plant consists of eroded granite, clay loam. For this winery is the key to producing quality grapes that the word "balance".

AGEING: stainless steel tanks

Pinotage grapes are picked before they are fully ripe at 21 degree balling with the red fruit being processed similarly to a white wine. The grapes are crushed and pressed, followed by a cool fermentation in stainless steel.

Grape / Blend
100% Pinotage

Origin
Paarl (Coastal Region, South Africa)

Tasting Notes
Red fruit favors of cherry and strawberry give way to minty freshness gleaned from earlier picked fruit. Lightly tinted from red grape skins, this salmon hued wine is fruity and juicy on the palate. Low in tannins, it displays delightful notes of melon, ripe tropical fruit and strawberry.

Double Gold - Rosé Rocks! South Africa (2017 vintage)
Double Gold - Rosé Rocks! South Africa (2018 vintage)

92 Points - Ian Blackburn (2020 Vintage) 
This wine is electric, sizzling, zesty, fresh crisp strawberry - bone dry and so mouth watering that it will draw you in. This maybe my favorite type of rosé - flashy but zesty and not boring...those that like typical Provence Rosé will like this because it's bone dry but those who like Rosé from Spain or California will appreciate the  punctuated fruit aroma, but wow, that acid is spectacular. Please do yourself a favor and try this PINOTAGE version. It will brighten up your Rosé palate and you will put this at the top of your list. Note - no oak, no butter, pure, crisp, clean and zesty. 

88 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Salmon-orange colored in the glass, the 2020 Pinotage Rosé has a delightful nose of spiced orange rind, potpourri and the essence of raspberry and rose. Medium-bodied and with 12.5% alcohol, the wine offers flavors of spiced strawberry compote and citrus tones on the palate in a cheerful expression before ending with a delightful yet uncomplicated finish. I could see this going down all too easily by the pool on a warm day.

Product size: 750ml