The Pinotage Association is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Absa Top 20 Pinotage finalists for the 2023 Pinotage Competition. This annual competition, proudly sponsored by Absa Bank, showcases the best of South African Pinotage wines, celebrating the dedication and artistry of the country’s winemakers.
The Pinotage Association, committed to promoting and advancing the unique Pinotage varietal, is proud to continue its partnership with Absa Bank. The bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting the South African wine industry has been a driving force behind the success of the Top 10 Pinotage competition for many years.
Beyers Truter, Chairman of the Pinotage Association was incredibly impressed with the calibre of Pinotage wines submitted for the 2023 competition. The Top 20 finalists represent the pinnacle of winemaking excellence, showcasing the diversity and potential of the Pinotage varietal. These results demonstrate the consist quality of Pinotage wines being produced.
The Absa Top 10 Pinotage competition, now in its 28th year, has become a prestigious platform for winemakers to showcase their mastery of the Pinotage grape, a unique and distinctly South African variety. This year’s selection process was particularly challenging due the exceptional quality Pinotage entries.
2023 20 Finalists
The Top 20 Pinotage finalists for the 2023 competition, listed in alphabetical order of the winery, are as follows:
- Beeslaar Wines – 2019 Beeslaar Pinotage
- Beyerskloof Wines – 2020 Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage
- Beyerskloof Wines – 2019 Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage
- Diemersdal – 2021 Diemersdal The Journal Pinotage
- Fairview Wines – 2020 Fairview Primo Pinotage
- Francois van Niekerk Wines – 2021 Francois van Niekerk Pinotage
- Kanonkop Wine Estate – 2018 Kanonkop Pinotage
- Kanonkop Wine Estate – 2017 Kanonkop Pinotage
- Koelenhof Wynkelder – 2021 Stellenbosch 1679 Old Vine Pinotage
- KWV – 2020 KWV The Mentors Pinotage
- L’Avenir Wine Estate – 2020 L’Avenir Single Block Pinotage
- Lyngrove Wines & Vineyards – 2020 Lyngrove Platinum Pinotage
- Overhex Wines International – 2021 Survivor Pinotage Reserve
- Rijk’s Cellars – 2018 Rijk’s Pinotage Reserve
- Spier Wines – 2018 Spier 21 Gables Pinotage
- Springfontein Wine Estate – 2018 Springfontein Single Vineyard Jonathan’s Ridge Pinotage
- Vondeling Wines – 2020 Vondeling Bowwood Pinotage
- Wellington Wines – 2021 Wellington Wines La Cave Pinotage
- Wellington Wines – 2019 Wellington Wines La Cave Pinotage
- Windmeul Kelder – 2021 Windmeul The Legend Collection Pinotage
Absa Bank’s continued sponsorship has played a pivotal role in the success and growth of the Pinotage Association’s flagship event. By supporting the Top 10 Pinotage competition, Absa Bank reaffirms its dedication to fostering excellence and innovation in the South African wine industry.
As part of the celebration, the Pinotage Association will host a series of exclusive events and promotions featuring the Top 10 winners. These events will provide wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public with an opportunity to savour and appreciate the exceptional quality of the wines produced by the finalists.