SMALL POINT BUT… Why have a menu at the home of such South African marvels as Beyerskloof Pinotage, blends including the country’s ‘indigenous’ variety, and the Pinotage burger, that lists some items in French, Italian, etc? However, moving right along… The Red Leaf Bistro is one of the hotspots on the Stellenbosch wine route, particularly since the restaurant was revamped and the range of wines expanded to include another well-priced Cape Blend.

The new bistro is smarter than the original and more sheltered in the event of windy or rainy weather. The deck makes the most of the view – Simonsberg mountains in the distance. The choice of dishes is varied and the winelist is what you’d expect from the cellar of the foremost ambassador for Pinotage, Beyers Truter. Even the white wine includes some…

No other South African wine farm does more in showcasing the virtues of Pinotage. Besides the unpretentious Chenin Blanc Pinotage white and easy-drinking red from the variety, the charming Reserve Pinotage and Beyerskloof’s flagship Pinotage under the Diesel label (named after one of the Truters’ hounds) are accompanied by three Pinotage-driven Cape Blends – Faith, Synergy and the latest addition to the portfolio, Traildust, uniting Pinotage with its parent cultivars Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Plus there’s a dry rosé and a port-style wine!

TOP 10 CAPE BLENDS – BEST TRACK RECORDS

Beyerskloof Faith from Pinotage, Cabernet, Merlot
Flagstone Dragon Tree from Cabernet, Shiraz, Pinotage, plus
Grangehurst Nikela from Cabernet, Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz
Kaapzicht Steytler Vision from Cabernet, Pinotage, Merlot
KWV Abraham Perold Tributum from Pinotage, Cab, Shiraz, plus
LB Cape Cuvée (Anura) from Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernets
Simonsig Frans Malan from Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet
Welbedacht Hat Trick from Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot
Wildekrans Barrel Select Cape Blend from Pinotage plus
Windmeul Reserve Cape Blend from Pinotage, Cab, Merlot, plus

“Traildust is thicker than blood” – Louis L’Amour
That’s how the back label begins – the new Traildust (from Pinotage, Cinsaut and Pinot Noir) at R100 a bottle being the third Cape Blend on offer from Beyerskloof, i.e. alongside Synergy and top-of-the-range Faith (both from Pinotage, Cab and Merlot) at R85 and R575 respectively