Pinot Noir – South Africa's Cool-Climate Grape

Pinot Noir is South Africa's cool-climate grape: in 1975 Tim Hamilton Russell bought land in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley ("Heaven and Earth") near Hermanus, and in 1981 his first vintage was released. Today, cool coastal sites produce red wines with delicate fruit, lively freshness and finesse.

For lovers of elegant, delicate red wines – for example with poultry, mushroom dishes or salmon – you can buy Pinot Noir wine from us, from Hamilton Russell to Bouchard Finlayson.

Learn more about Pinor Noir from South Africa

Pinot Noir at the Cape: A Pioneer in the Valley of Heaven and Earth

Hemel-en-Aarde means "Heaven and Earth" in Afrikaans. Here, Tim Hamilton Russell bought an estate of 172 hectares in 1975. The vines were planted in 1976, and the first vintage was released in 1981 [1]. His course was a counter-proposal to the muscular red wine style of the Western Cape at the time: he focused solely on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a cool, maritime-influenced climate [1]. His son Anthony took over in 1991 and continued to run the estate as a pure Pinot Noir and Chardonnay operation [1]. Hamilton Russell remains specialised in these two grape varieties to this day.

In 1989, Peter Finlayson and Paul Bouchard of the Burgundian family Bouchard Aîné & Fils in Beaune founded Bouchard Finlayson right next door. The first vintage followed in 1991 [2]. The vineyard works according to Burgundian principles, with up to 9,000 vines per hectare on soils derived from Bokkeveld shale [2]. Galpin Peak, the estate's flagship, shows red cherry, pomegranate and savoury herbs [2]. Around the turn of the millennium there were only six wineries in the valley; by 2004 there were 14, and today there are around 20 [4].

Cool Climate, Bright Fruit

Walker Bay and Elgin are among South Africa's coolest wine-growing regions [3]. The breeze from the bay is chilled by the Benguela Current [4], and the ripening period is significantly longer than in warmer areas [3]. In Hemel-en-Aarde, three origins are distinguished: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge [4].

Aromas and Style

Typical notes are cherry, raspberry, cranberry and woodland berries, plus floral notes and fine spice. Pinot Noir is usually light to ruby red, with fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. On the palate it is silky, with a long, subtly mineral finish. With age it gains in complexity.

Other Names in the Valley

According to Grape Guru, other estates in the region include Ataraxia (since 2004), Crystallum and Creation [3].

Food Pairing

Poultry, veal, game birds, mushroom dishes, truffles, salmon and aged soft cheeses.

Buy Pinot Noir From South Africa From Us

In our range you will find Pinot Noir from Hamilton Russell, Bouchard Finlayson, Ataraxia, Crystallum and Creation, as well as from further estates in Walker Bay, Elgin and Stellenbosch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pinot Noir From South Africa

Who started Pinot Noir in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley?

Tim Hamilton Russell bought land in the valley in 1975, vines were planted in 1976, and the first vintage was released in 1981. His son Anthony took over in 1991.

What does Hemel-en-Aarde mean?

The name is Afrikaans and means "Heaven and Earth". The valley lies near Hermanus in the Walker Bay wine region.

Why does Pinot Noir thrive in Walker Bay and Elgin?

Both regions are among South Africa's coolest. The sea breeze ensures a long ripening period.

What connects Bouchard Finlayson to Burgundy?

The estate was founded in 1989 by Peter Finlayson and Paul Bouchard of Beaune. It works according to Burgundian principles, with up to 9,000 vines per hectare.

What does South African Pinot Noir taste like?

Of cherry, raspberry, cranberry and woodland berries, with floral notes, fine spice, a silky texture and lively acidity.

How has the number of wineries in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley developed?

Around the turn of the millennium there were six, by 2004 there were 14, and today there are around 20.

Which foods pair well with Pinot Noir?

Poultry, veal, mushroom dishes, salmon and aged soft cheeses.

Is Pinot Noir served chilled?

Yes, lightly chilled. Pinot Noir is best at around 14 to 16 °C, so slightly cooler than most red wines. At this temperature its freshness and fruit come through and the acidity feels lively rather than heavy. It should not be ice cold, as the aromas then recede. Half an hour in the refrigerator is usually enough.

How does Pinot Noir differ from Syrah?

Pinot Noir is lighter, finer and more delicate, while Syrah is darker, more powerful and spicier.