A Taste of Heritage: Celebrate Grenache Day with Neil Ellis Wines

Neil Ellis Piekenierskloof Grenache 2021

This September, Neil Ellis Wines is celebrating both Grenache Day on 18 September and South Africa’s Heritage Month with an invitation to slow down, gather around the table and discover the distinctive character of one of the country’s most exciting red wine varieties.

From 18–30 September, visitors to Neil Ellis Wines can experience the Neil Ellis Piekenierskloof Grenache 2021, made from grapes sourced from some of South Africa’s oldest Grenache vineyards, alongside a selection of fire-inspired dishes designed to complement the wine.

Guests can choose the lamb and Grenache pairing, bringing together the richness and succulence of lamb with the wine’s vibrant fruit and savoury character. Alternatively, simply order any main meal and enjoy a complimentary glass of Grenache, making it an easy opportunity to discover the wine while enjoying the relaxed, fire-inspired dining experience at Neil Ellis Wines.

Grenache has a natural affinity with food. Known for its expressive red-fruit character, freshness and elegant structure, it is a wine that can move effortlessly from a relaxed afternoon tasting to a long lunch shared with friends. The Piekenierskloof, with its distinctive terroir and established old-vine vineyards, gives the variety an especially compelling sense of place. Fine, firm tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit, giving the wine an elegance and freshness that makes it remarkably versatile at the table.

What makes the Piekenierskloof Grenache particularly intriguing is the balance between generosity and restraint. Grenache can be a naturally expressive variety, but in the Piekenierskloof it can take on a distinctly refined character, combining ripe, fragrant fruit with freshness, spice and fine-grained tannins. Previous vintages of the Neil Ellis Piekenierskloof Grenache have been noted for their perfumed, spicy character, red and plummy fruit, weight and fine-textured tannins, reinforcing the variety’s ability to produce wines of both personality and substance.
The 2021 vintage is therefore a wine for those looking to move beyond the predictable. It is a red that can comfortably accompany a relaxed dinner, yet has enough sophistication to reward more contemplative sipping. Think slow-roasted lamb, a traditional bobotie, grilled meats, earthy vegetables or a generous platter shared around the table. The type of food that turns opening a bottle into an occasion. The Neil Ellis Piekenierskloof Grenache 2021 is currently available from Neil Ellis Wines at a discounted price of R374 per bottle.

Whether it is a long lunch, an afternoon in the Stellenbosch winelands or simply an excuse to raise a glass to South African wine, Neil Ellis Wines offers a relaxed way to celebrate Grenache Day and Heritage Month.

For bookings and further information, contact restaurant@neilellis.com