Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage

Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or aged Gouda, enhancing its bright fruit, spice, and refined tannins.

The Bernard Series Pinotage vineyards are situated in South Africa’s cool climate growing regions, influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean seabreezes. After years of experimentation, it was found that these sites have better phenolic or tannin ripeness due to the longer and slower ripening process associated with cool climates. The grapes from these vineyards are concentrated and retain their natural acidity, producing wines that have bright red fruit, with ripe and silky tannins whilst remaining elegant and fresh.

Each "Bernard" lot is harvested separately, with the two regional sites handpicked in the early mornings. The Darling vineyard block was harvested about two weeks after Stellenbosch. Fermentation took place in open-top concrete tanks with pump-overs and hand punch-downs every three hours. Minimal intervention ensured a natural, authentic expression of Pinotage. Fermentation was swift, with pressing after a maximum of five days on the skins.

Bellingham is a historic Franschhoek wine name dating back to 1693, with a legacy of Cape firsts including rosé and single-varietal Shiraz. Today, the range draws from selected Western Cape vineyards to produce contemporary South African wines with structure, regional character and broad everyday appeal.