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Kanonkop

4/5See all 16 reviews

Kanonkop, meaning "cannon shot," is a name inherited from local history: a cannon shot was fired to warn the population of a merchant ship's arrival at the port. The estate was established in 1910 by the Sauer family, who notably produced several ministers for the Republic of South Africa. Johann and Paul Krige, the fourth generation of the family, now run the estate, still assisted by Beyers Truter, who has been in charge of winemaking since his arrival in 1985. It was around this time, in the midst of apartheid and when the country was in total economic and political isolation, that Kanonkop began to make a name for itself and prove to the world South Africa's potential for producing quality wines.

Kanonkop's red wines are still among the best, with a finesse and aging potential that are virtually unique in the country. The vineyard is located at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountains, less than 6 miles north of the town of Stellenbosch, on slopes that rise to 120 meters. It covers around 100 hectares planted with old vines (mostly 50 years old) exclusively red grape varieties, in order of importance: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Controlling yields and seeking the right level of ripeness are the two key concerns in the vineyard. In the cellar, the winery remains faithful to the old traditional concrete vats in which the grapes are still trodden by foot, and favors long aging with judicious use of new wood. The sensation that emerges from Kanonkop's red wines is one of great elegance and impeccable balance.

More information on the website of Kanonkop

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