Ashbourne, founded in 1996 by Anthony Hamilton Russell on the cool, maritime slopes of South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Walker Bay district, is a boutique estate dedicated to crafting one exceptional Pinotage that reflects its unique terroir. The vineyards are planted on low-vigour, stony, clay-rich, shale derived soils that give structure and minerality to the wine. The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, meaning “Heaven and Earth”, lies close to the Atlantic Ocean near Hermanus in Walker Bay and is one of South Africa’s coolest and most highly regarded wine regions.. The Ashbourne Pinotage 2022 is made from 100% Pinotage, harvested from the estate’s special site and fermented to highlight purity of fruit and site character. Matured for 10 months in 400-litre French oak barrels and a further 10 months in neutral 2000-litre foudre, the wine displays a medium-bodied profile with intense black cherry, pomegranate and earthy notes underpinned by elegant tannins and subtle spice. Its refined texture and balanced acidity make it a superb match for grilled red meats, wild game with rich sauces or hearty vegetarian dishes.
