Delheim Vera Cruz Pinotage

Delheim Vera Cruz Pinotage 2022 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

Delheim Vera Cruz Pinotage 2022 is the Delheim family's iconic wine, sourced from their finest Pinotage plot on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountain. The name refers to Vera, the wife of the late "Spatz" Sperling, who played a key role in building the estate. What makes Delheim Vera Cruz Pinotage 2022 so special? It's a single-vineyard Pinotage from old bush vines, naturally fermented and aged for 18 months in French oak, crafted to impress now and to age for years to come.

Vineyards and region

The grapes come from South Africa, from Stellenbosch, specifically from Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, one of the cooler and most highly regarded sub-regions for powerful red wines. Vera Cruz is a small vineyard of approximately 1.9 hectares on the western slope of the Simonsberg Mountains, at an altitude of around 240 meters. The vines here are unirrigated bush vines in clay-rich soils with eroded granite, resulting in low yields, thick skins, and high fruit concentration. The relatively cool microclimate on the slopes ensures a long growing season, allowing the Pinotage to reach full ripeness while retaining its freshness and aromatic tension.

Vinification and maturation

The harvest is entirely hand-picked, with strict selection in the vineyard to ensure only perfectly ripe Vera Cruz bunches are received. The grapes are naturally fermented at a low temperature, without the addition of cultured yeast, preserving the character of the plot and grape as purely as possible. The skins are pumped several times a day to extract color, aroma, and fine tannins from the skins without overpowering the wine. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in 300- and 500-liter French oak barrels, approximately 35% of which are new, allowing the oak to support the wine with structure, dark chocolate, and spice notes without overpowering the fruit. With an alcohol content of around 14% and firm yet silky tannins, this is a Pinotage made for long bottle aging.

Grape composition

Pinotage – Vera Cruz single vineyard, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
The wine is 100% Pinotage from old bush vines in the Vera Cruz vineyard; the combination of granite-rich soils, low yields, and natural fermentation produces a deep, concentrated Pinotage with plenty of dark fruit, refined tannins, and a distinct signature.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

In the glass, the Delheim Vera Cruz Pinotage 2022 displays a deep crimson color. The nose is intense, with ripe dark fruits such as black cherry and blackberry, complemented by integrated notes of vanilla, toffee, and a hint of spice and dark chocolate from the French oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and juicy, with concentrated red and black fruit supported by fine, silky tannins and a long, layered finish. Serve this Pinotage at 16 to 18°C. It pairs beautifully with braised veal cheek, long-cooked stews, game dishes, oven-baked leg of lamb, or richly spiced barbecue dishes; thanks to its structure and aging potential, it is also an excellent choice for further 8 to 10 years of cellaring.