Kanonkop

SIMONSBERG - SOUTH AFRICA

Kanonkop is a 4th generation family-owned wine estate, located on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains in South Africa. The name Kanonkop is derived from a hillock (kop) on the Simonsberg mountain above the wine estate from where, during the 17th and 18th centuries, a cannon (kanon) was fired to announce the arrival of sailing ships entering Table Bay. The estate was founded by Paul Sauer and is now run by his grandsons Johann and Paul Krige. Kanonkop specializes in making red wines and first produced wines bearing the Kanonkop label in 1973. The estate is known for being one of the earliest producers to vinify and grow South Africa’s signature grape, the pinotage. Their approach to making wine is site-specific and influenced by the soil and climate, leaving a fingerprint on each vintage produced making each one unique.  However each batch goes through malolactic fermentation (2-3 months) and is then placed into new or 2nd fill 225L French oak barrels to mature for 12- 24 months, depending on the vintage. The entire process of making the wines, all the way up to the labeling of the bottles, happens right there at the Kanonkop Estate