PINOTAGE

Korean BBQ, strip steak with Sichuan peppercorn cream sauce (wink), some good ol’ biltong

As we always recommend for a red in Hong Kong heat, give it a few minutes to cool off in the fridge

Kottabos takes its name from an ancient Greek drinking game, where after a few glasses of wine, friends would fling leftover lees toward targets—because why not? In this case, it's a side project from Reenen Borman of Boschkloof, designed for experimentation beyond his family’s estate. A second-generation winemaker, Reenen has earned a reputation as one of South Africa’s best (casually – he’s been awarded more 99 points by international critics than any other South African winemaker in history, and one of less than 10 to be awarded 100 pts), bringing both technical skill and instinct to Boschkloof’s vineyards. After studying at Elsenburg and gaining hands-on experience in the Rhône Valley, he returned to Stellenbosch to refine the wines that have shaped his name over the years. That dedication was recognised in 2023 when he became a member of the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild—an honour reserved for only around 40 winemakers in South Africa. (Niels at Luddite is also one of the OG members!)

The Borman family prioritises sustainable farming, handpicking every grape to ensure quality, while the cellar approach stays minimal—ambient yeast fermentations, and a move away from new oak in favour of concrete and terra cotta. The result? Wines that are timeless, honest, and full of character. At the heart of it all, three families have worked on the farm and in the cellar for over 15 years, making Boschkloof as much about the people behind the wine as the wine itself.

 

We love the New Wave Pinotage movement in South Africa – much like the Reverie (RIP), this treats the grape like Pinot Noir. The way its inventor, Professor Perold, intended. No Cab energy here.

Place: Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Grapes: Pinotage
Style: Balancing boldness & finesse
Ingredients: Grapes & minimal sulphites