Aaldering Estate Pinotage Blanc de Noir 2025 Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

Aaldering loves to show what Pinotage can do, and this is its most surprising trick. A blanc de noir is a white wine made from black grapes, the juice run off the skins before it can take on much colour. From the estate’s prized Stellenbosch Pinotage comes something pale, crisp and unexpected.

The fruit is estate-grown Pinotage, planted in 1998 on decomposed granite, southeast-facing at 110 to 160 metres. Pressed quickly for the faintest blush, it is made in a fresh, aromatic style with lively acidity and just off-dry charm. It gives the range a talking-point white that doubles as an easy aperitif.

2025 followed a long, cold, wet winter with moderate spring weather, then summer heatwaves that ripened the fruit well and built exceptional colour and flavour. Winds at flowering trimmed the Pinotage crop but left smaller berries with concentrated juice, ideal for a fresh, expressive style like this.

Almost crystal clear with a bright blush. Strawberry and candy floss lead the nose, backed by green apple, pear and banana. The palate offers sweet red berry balanced by delicate tart cherry, with hints of pink marshmallow and stone fruit. Crisp acidity keeps it lively. Serve chilled at 10 to 12 degrees.

Somewhere between a pale rosé and a fruity dry white, it is playful without being sweet, and easy to like. It makes a good aperitif and pairs neatly with seared salmon or tuna with a delicate aioli and fresh greens. A light-hearted choice for a summer afternoon or a table of friends.