Named after the False Widow spiders that make their home among the vineyard's vines.

The Pinotage comes from vines planted in 1997 on decomposed granite at Môrelig, in the Malmesbury district of the Swartland. The vineyard is farmed sustainably as dryland bush vines and yields are low, at around 2 to 3 tons per hectare. The grapes are hand harvested and macerated on their skins for around twelve days, then basket pressed and matured in old oak barrels for around eight months, so the oak supports the wine rather than flavouring it. There is no yeast inoculation and no additives apart from a small amount of SO2. Andrew Wightman makes only a few hundred bottles of this wine each year, and the name is a nod to the producer's playful approach to the label.

Tasting Notes: A characterful, low-intervention Pinotage that is a world away from the heavy, oaky style the variety is often known for. Expect ripe red and dark berry fruit, with plum, mulberry and bramble on the nose, backed by earthy spice and a savoury, slightly wild edge. The palate is light to medium bodied and supple, with a juicy core of fruit, bright acidity and soft, fine tannins. The finish is dry and succulent, with a gentle spiciness that lingers. It is a wine with personality, best enjoyed with a slight chill.

Food Pairing: Pinotage and the braai were made for each other, so reach for this alongside lamb sosaties, spiced chops or a pork belly roast. It also suits bobotie, slow-cooked oxtail, duck breast and richly flavoured sausages. For something simpler, try it with a mushroom and caramelised onion pizza, or a platter of cured meats and hard cheese. Serve it lightly chilled in warm weather.

ANALYSIS: ALC 14.00% | TA 5.1g/L | pH 3.86| RS 1.23g/L