Collection: Kanonkop wine estate

Kanonkop Wine Estate: The Pinotage Icon in Italy

Cape Best is the official importer and distributor for Italy of Kanonkop, an estate that needs no introduction: it is the absolute benchmark for great South African red wines for aging. Located on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, in the heart of Stellenbosch's renowned "Red Wine Bowl," Kanonkop is living proof of how the African terroir can compete with the world's greatest Crus.

The Simonsberg Mountain Terroir

The estate spans 125 hectares, where the microclimate is dictated by perfect sun exposure and refreshing breezes from False Bay. But Kanonkop's true secret lies in its soils of decomposed granite and clay (Hutton). This composition ensures excellent drainage and a deep water reserve, allowing the vines to produce grapes with extraordinary phenolic concentration.

The Home of Pinotage and Old Vines

Kanonkop is internationally recognized as the "Home of Pinotage." The company philosophy is based on the preservation of its viticultural heritage:

• Pinotage Bush Vines: many Pinotage vineyards are over 65 years old and are cultivated as bush vines, a choice that naturally limits yields to maximize complexity.
• Historical Heritage: the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vineyards are often over 30-40 years old, giving the house's Bordeaux blends (such as the iconic Paul Sauer) legendary structure and longevity.

Tradition and Global Recognition

Winemaking at Kanonkop follows methods that honor history: the use of open-top concrete fermenters allows for gentle extraction and manual cap management, ensuring elegant, deep, and never overripe wines.

Kanonkop's successes are consistently certified by top global experts:

• World's Most Admired Wine Brands: Kanonkop has once again been voted among the 50 most admired wine brands in the world, ranking 17th in this illustrious global classification. It was also, once again, awarded as the most admired wine brand in all of Africa and the Middle East.
• Historic Scores: Kanonkop was the first South African winery to receive the legendary 100 points from Tim Atkin, marking a milestone for the entire continent's winemaking.