Tasting Notes: 

Aromas of cherries and flint emerge from the glass of this unoaked flavorful Pinotage. It has an earthy palate, with a core of red plums, cherries and black currants supported by a firm structure. A dash of spices linger in the finish.

Scions of Sinai Wines: 

Scions of Sinai pays homage to the rich heritage and hidden significance of Sinai Hill, nestled amidst the Helderberg region, just 12 km south of Stellenbosch Town. The name “Scions of Sinai” epitomizes our deep reverence for both the land and our familial heritage. “Scion” holds a dual significance, symbolizing the tender shoot of a young vine and the lineage of generations past. 

Headed by seventh generation wine farmer and winemaker, Bernhard Bredell. Vines were first planted on this plot of lands 160 years ago by his ancestors when they arrived in South Africa. This is a small, bush vined, dry-farmed, Certified Heritage Vineyard grown on weathered granite soils with very low yields. 

Pinotage: 

Pinotage was created in 1925 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold, a passionate geneticist and the first professor of viticulture at Stellenbosch University. Perold noticed that Pinot Noir grapes were struggling in South Africa’s warm climate so he set out to create a cross that would be better suited to the climate there. He crossed Pinot Noir with Cinsault, which at the time was called Hermitage in South Africa, hence the name Pinotage. He was hoping for the delicate flavors of the Pinot Noir with the resistance and vigor of Cinsaut.

Interestingly he got something a little different than what he was expecting. Despite both Pinot Noir and Cinsaut being low color and low tannin grape varieties the resulting cross was both extremely rich in color and in tannins.

Stellenbosch: 

Stellenbosch is considered one of the world's premier wine centers, it is THE heart of the South African Winelands and is often considered the Cape’s answer to Napa Valley. While it is not the oldest vineyard land in the country it is certainly the most stunning. Stellenbosch is also home to an important wine university (University of Stellenbosch) and is the center of wine tourism for South Africa. 

Today Stellenbosch is a sizable region with nearly 20% of all South Africa’s vineyards. There are also 9 wards or subregions within Stellenbosch all of which offer a distinct climate, soils and more. Stellenbosch also has the most acreage of old vine certified bush vines in South Africa. 

The common grapes grown here are Bordeaux and Rhone varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah / Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. And of course you can’t forget Pinotage. Stellenbosch is actually the birthplace of Pinotage. 

Food & Wine Pairing: 

Grilled & Barbecue Dishes The smoky, charred flavors from grilling complement Pinotage’s smokey and earthy notes. Braai (South African BBQ) Traditional grilled meats like boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, or beef steak. Spicy & Smoky Dishes The wine’s fruitiness helps balance heat and spice. Cheese & Charcuterie Pinotage stands up well to aged and strong cheeses.