Wine Note -Oct 2024
2020 Kanonkop Cape Blend (Tesco £13.00)
The name of the South African wine estate Kanonkop is derived from a hill (kop) above the vineyard from where, years ago, a cannon (kanon) was fired to announce the arrival of sailing ships in Cape Town.
This wine is widely available for around £13 per bottle and in different vintages (2020/21/22).
The main grape is Pinotage, a South African cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault (known as Hermitage locally). If not carefully made, wines made from the variety tend to have a burnt rubber character. So in the Cape it’s often blended, as in this example, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Decanting is advised. After a few hours that hint of rubber fades away. It’s replaced by aromas of toasty oak and dark fruits. It’s intense and spicy enough to accompany autumn dishes.
You could buy Kanonkop straight Pinotage. But, it is more expensive and, I think, rather too pungent and fruity for most European tastes. Or you could splash out for Kanonkop Paul Sauer Cabernet Sauvignon, which is very good but costs £50.
Whatever you choose, ward off cool October weather with a hint of Southern Hemisphere summer.
John Freeland (u3a Wine Tasting Group)
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