Survivor Pinotage

Winemaker Pierre Wahl on the winery

“Survivor Wines was launched in 2015 by Overhex Wines and takes its name from an unusual event: a Nguni cow jumped off a truck while travelling to an auction and was later found grazing in a vineyard in the Swartland. Since 2022, winemaker Pierre Wahl has been at the helm. He studied viticulture and cellar technology at Elsenburg and gained experience at wineries including Niel Joubert and Môreson, before spending twenty years making the wines at Rijk’s in Tulbagh. In 2016, he was named Diners Club Winemaker of the Year. Known in the wine industry as the ‘Pope of Pinotage’, he has spent much of his career specialising in South Africa’s signature grape variety. At Survivor, he brings this experience together with grapes from across the Western Cape.”

And on Swartland, South-Africa

“Our Pinotage is made from 100% Pinotage grapes sourced from low-yielding vineyards in the Swartland. We work with both trellised vines and older bush vines, growing on red Hutton soils and decomposed granite. The grapes are hand-picked and undergo a 24-hour cold soak upon arrival at the cellar. Following fermentation, the wine matures for 18 months in French oak barrels, around 20% of which are new. The result is a full-bodied, velvety Pinotage with aromas of raspberry, strawberry and plum, complemented by notes of aniseed, cinnamon and subtle spice.”