ABOUT THE WINELANDS welcomes Gizelle Coetzee, a winemaker, who manages Sales and Marketing at Mellasat Vineyards. Located near Paarl, in the heart of South Africa’s famous winelands just 45 mins from Cape Town.
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About Mellasat Vineyards
Mellasat Vineyards was created by the Richardson family in 1996 from the original farm Dekkersvlei which was established in 1693. The vineyard enjoys a spectacular position under the dramatic Klein Drakenstein mountains together with panoramic views of the Paarl and its famous granite domes.
At Mellasat Vineyards we reckon we’re a bit different, which is why you’ll find a white Pinotage amongst our range of award winning wines. To make our wines more accessible we’ve established a tasting centre with stunning views of the Paarl valley and the craggy Klein Drakenstein mountains. And not content to leave it at that we’ve also created a Cemetery of Forgotten Wines in our underground cellar – an interesting and bizarre collection of museum wines that the consumer can interact with.
MELLASAT VINEYARDS, home of the White Pinotage
The Cultivars
From 1997, the older Chenin Blanc vines were replaced with the noble cultivars Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay, as well as South Africa’s own Pinotage grape variety. The farm also grows Tempranillo and Viognier.
Mellasat Wines
Mellasat have two ranges – The flagship blend Mellasat “M” which includes the premium White Pinotage, made in “a very unique style and the classical barrel fermented Chardonnay.” The Premium Exclusive collection, a small volume range, includes the Tempranillo and the Viognier.
The two boutique ranges provide something for everyone from wine connoisseurs to the casual, everyday wine drinker.
The World’s First White Pinotage – first vintage of this wine was in 2007.
“The paradox of this wine is that the eye belies the other senses! Making white wine from red grapes using South Africa’s unique Pinotage grape. Whole bunch pressing prevented the juice from obtaining colour from the skins. Barrel fermented and matured for eleven months with lees stirring gives this wine a slightly creamy, nutty character to balance the tropical pineapple fruit and banana flavours.”
It’s time to UNCORK!
