Bellevue launches 1953 Pinotage and new tourist facilities

When wine aficionados discuss Pinotage, one name that often pops up in the conversation as a leading exponent of this cultivar, is that of Bellevue Estate, situated in the Bottelary region outside Stellenbosch.

Here General Manager and viticulturist Dirkie Morkel, has established more than 150 ha of fourteen different wine grape varieties, of which their 40 ha of Pinotage is their trump card. However, Bellevue is much more than Pinotage, having recently added to the estate’s extensive range of wines, is a new restaurant and wine tasting venue.

Bellevue Estate recently added a new restaurant and tasting venue

Adding to the superb wine offering is the recently released Bellevue “1953” Pinotage 2016, which is the culmination of decades of hard work in both the vineyard and the cellar. The wine derives its name from the fact that this particular vineyard was planted in 1953. This Pinotage block has been cultivated as a dry land vineyard for the past 64 years, with drip irrigation only installed in May 2017 to help the vines in dry spells as experienced in recent years. The vineyard is situated on a south-facing slope in the Bottelary Hills, which means slightly cooler temperatures during the summer months. The vineyard was planted in an East-West row direction on two different soil types, being Cartref and Westleigh.

The wine derives its name from the fact that this particular vineyard was planted in 1953

The grapes for the “1953” Pinotage 2016 were hand-picked at optimum ripeness. After fermentation and regular pump overs in stainless steel tanks, the wine was matured for 18 months in small French oak barriques.

The meat pairs well with beef and venison dishes, seen here with a Springbok shank

“This is a classy Pinotage with great pedigree and heritage,” says Morkel. “Its nose is packed with aromas of plums and maraschino cherries. This follows through on the palate, showing serious refinement, purity of fruit and great complexity and length. The mouthfeel and finish convey integrated, fine-grained tannins partnered by concentrated fruit flavours which linger.”

This is a classy Pinotage with great pedigree and heritage

The Bellevue “1953” Pinotage 2016 is available directly from the Tasting Room at R545 per bottle.

The original Cape Dutch Homestead

Although this historic wine estate (established in 1701) with its original Cape Dutch homestead built in 1803 and its 155 year old signal cannon, you’ll find the restaurant and tasting room a refreshing juxtaposition. Situated inside one of the historical wings of the cellar, the restaurant offers a modern, chic interior with an oversized terrace looking onto a lush green lawn, perfect for lazy afternoon lunches!

The Tasting Room has a modern, chic interior

The menu offers a mouth-watering selection of dishes to suit any mood and taste, from scrumptious salads to lip-smacking starters and hearty mains. Not forgetting the signature pizzas and tasty platters to share, which are guaranteed to be a hit.

The Bellevue Pinotage Pizza

Whether you’re a large group or just popping in for a long-overdue catch up with a friend, this winelands gem is the perfect spot to enjoy a fabulous meal. This child-friendly restaurant will have you coming back for more!

The restaurant offers an oversized terrace looking onto a lush green lawn

The restaurant is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 09:00 to 17:00, Fridays from 09:00 to 19:00.

For more information on Bellevue’s many offerings, contact the estate on 021 865 2054
or info@bellevue.co.za, or visit www.bellevue.co.za.

Issued by: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS

Pictures: WineTourismZA

Bellevue '1953' Pinotage 2016 Media Launch Lunch Menu

by Chef Eddie Enslin

STARTER

Salmon and Asparagus Terrine served with a litchi and mango drizzle.

Bellevue Estate Sauvignon Blanc paired with Salmon and Asparagus Terrine

The combination of the salmon and asparagus lifts and emphasises the crisp grassiness of the wine. The creaminess of the terrine goes hand in hand with the friendly palette and the litchi and mango drizzle finishes off the tropical flavours of the wine. This starter-dish together with the gorgeous Bellevue Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is a perfect food and wine pairing.

MAINS

Slow braised pulled Springbok Shank wrapped in netvet served with polenta, garden vegetables and a prune jus.