The new vintages of La Motte’s acclaimed duo of a Pierneef Syrah blend and Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc are always eagerly awaited and this year, these releases are more than Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche’s artistic interpretation of the vintage, they also bring a new look and even a new name.
As a tribute to South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886 – 1957), the Pierneef Collection of wines celebrates Pierneef’s skill in portraying the beauty of South African landscapes and architecture. In a fresh interpretation to the classic label, two of Pierneef’s black and white linocuts feature on the labels: Kaaps Hollandse Huis Krommerivier on the red blend and Baobab on the Sauvignon Blanc.
2020 Pierneef Atelier: This acclaimed Syrah blend further acknowledges the importance of a creative space in contributing an artistic interpretation and in making the most of each vintage.
The 2020 Pierneef Atelier is a blend of 93% Elim Syrah and 7% co-fermented Viognier from the Franschhoek Valley. With a cold winter and moderate summer as well as a soil combination of coffee stone and deep sandy decomposed sandstone and granite, vineyards were able to produce exceptional grapes that were hand sorted and fermented without stems at 25 degrees. After 15 days of maceration, maturation in 300-litre French oak barrels followed for a period of 24 months. 5000 x 6 were bottled in June 2022.
This unique blend offers perfumy rose petals and the depth of eastern spice on the nose. Voluptuous, but gentle, the palate finishes with intricate layers of liquorice, savoury salami and red peppercorns for a very classic character. The structure and spice of the Syrah as well as the floral nuances of the Viognier make this a very versatile red when it comes to the dinner table. Complementing beef, venison, charcuterie, aromatic curries, game birds such as quail and duck as well as reduced fruit flavours, the 2020 Pierneef Atelier is a wonderful choice as a winter red.
2024 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc: Made from grapes from some of the most southerly vineyards in South Africa, the 2024 vintage release of La Motte’s premium Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc, is a highlight for anyone who enjoys the sophistication and style of a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine is a blend of 88% Sauvignon Blanc and 12% Semillon originating from Elim and as such is certified as Wine of Origin Cape South Coast. With a warmer average temperature during ripening than other years, but with a meticulously trained and managed harmony of leaf coverage and crop load, the quality of the grapes was remarkable. The vineyards grow predominantly in a complex soil structure originating from shale with a topsoil of gravel and layers of clay and coffee stone.
Grapes were harvested at a sugar content of between 21- and 23-degrees Balling, with skin contact of approximately 16 hours and fermentation at 15 degrees. The wine was left on the fine lees for 2 months before blending and bottling in June 2024. 4000 x 6 were released.
The 2024 vintage is an elegant wine with a lingering minerality. The cool climate terroir results in aromas of citrus and passion fruit with nuances of green pepper and gooseberry. Although already a beautiful glass to enjoy, with the addition of 12% Semillon, this wine lends itself to exceptional bottle maturation while being an outstanding partner on the dinner table.
The 2024 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc is a refined aperitif, pairs seamlessly with seafood and loves the crispness of salads. With its mineral undertone it makes for an excellent partner to flavours notoriously difficult to pair such as tomatoes (especially sundried tomatoes) and spicy Chinese or Thai cuisine.
