The Fleur du Cap approach is unconstrained. Using only meticulously selected grapes from the finest vineyards across the Cape Winelands, the winery produces a range of wines that offer diversity of choice and diversity of taste. Essence du Cap is known for exceptional quality and wines that express their true varietal character.

The continued success of the Fleur du Cap range of wines is the result of a team approach at The Bergkelder that starts with meticulous vineyard selection and is driven by an overriding passion for winemaking and constant experimentation to create new generation of superior quality wines.

The grapes were handpicked at 23ºC to 24º Balling. After crushing the grapes, the must was cold soaked for five days at 10ºC and inoculated with a selected yeast. During fermentation, the temperature was controlled carefully at 25ºC to preserve fruit flavors. Color and tannin extraction was performed by pump-overs avoiding the incorporation of any harsh tannins. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally.

The wine was matured for 12 months with a combination of second and third-fill French and American oak barrels. The grapes were selected from four different vineyard blocks situated around the Bottelary Hills, which were planted in 1987, 1994, 1996 and 1997. Two of the vineyards are bush vines and the remaining trellised. The soils consist of deep decomposed shale (bush vines) and granite (trellised vines), with good water retention.

This wine has a deep red color with crimson edges. On the nose it shows ripe fruit such as plums and a hint of black currant, finishing in oak spice. Full-bodied on the palate with ripe plum and other berries standing out. The Pinotage is very well balanced with a lingering after taste.

This wine is an ideal accompaniment to grilled lamb and poultry, pork roasts and game fish. It is perfect with classic Cape cuisine like Bobotie and Malay Curries, as well as spicy Mexican food.