The 2020 and 2024 vintages of La Motte’s Pierneef Syrah-driven blend and Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc respectively are more than cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche’s artistic interpretation of the vintage – the 2025 releases also bring a new look and a new name.
As a tribute to SA artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886 – 1957), the Pierneef Collection of wines from the La Motte Estate in Franschhoek celebrates his skill in portraying the beauty of South African landscapes and architecture. The labels on the new releases feature a fresh interpretation of Pierneef’s black-and-white linocuts: Kaaps Hollandse Huis Krommerivier on the red blend and Baobab on the Sauvignon Blanc.
2020 Pierneef Atelier – The new name for this acclaimed Syrah blend further acknowledges the importance of a creative space, a workshop or studio, in contributing an artistic interpretation and in making the most of each vintage.
The 2020 Pierneef Atelier is a blend of 93% Elim Syrah and 7% co-fermented Viognier from the Franschhoek Valley. With a cold winter and moderate summer as well as a soil combination of coffee stone and deep, sandy, decomposed sandstone and granite, the vineyards produced exceptional grapes that were hand-sorted and fermented without stems at 25°C. After 15 days of maceration, maturation in 300-litre French oak barrels followed for a period of 24 months. 5000 x 6 x 750ml bottled in June 2022.
On the nose: perfumy rose petals and eastern spice. The palate, voluptuous but gentle, finishes with intricate layers of liquorice, savoury salami and red peppercorns. The structure and spice of the Syrah together with the floral nuances of the Viognier make this a very versatile red when it comes to the dinner table. Complementing beef, venison, charcuterie, aromatic curries, game birds (such as quail and duck) as well as reduced fruit flavours, the 2020 Pierneef Atelier is a wonderful winter red: R335pb ex-cellar.
2024 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc – Made using grapes from some of the most southerly vineyards in South Africa, the 2024 vintage of La Motte’s premium Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc, is a highlight for anyone who enjoys the sophistication and style of a cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine is a blend of 88% Sauvignon Blanc and 12% Semillon grapes from Elim, certified as Wine of Origin Cape South Coast. With a warmer average temperature during ripening compared with other years but given the meticulously managed leaf coverage and crop load, the quality of the grapes was remarkable. The vines grow predominantly in a complex soil structure, originating from shale with a topsoil of gravel, layers of clay and coffee stone.
The grapes were harvested at a sugar content of between 21 and 23 degrees Balling, with skin contact lasting approximately 16 hours and fermentation at 15 degrees. The wine was left on the fine lees for two months before blending and bottling in June 2024. 4000 x 6 x 750ml.
An elegant wine with a lingering minerality. The cool-climate terroir results in aromas of citrus and passion fruit with nuances of green pepper and gooseberry. Although already beautiful, it lends itself to exceptional bottle maturation. A refined aperitif and an outstanding partner on the dinner table – pairing seamlessly with seafood and crisp salads, its mineral undertone making it an excellent match for dishes featuring tomatoes (especially sundried tomatoes) and spicy Chinese or Thai cuisine. R180pb ex-cellar.
• Article sponsored by La Motte Estate
