Just days after her 100th birthday on Saturday 17 May, Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, one of South Africa’s most beloved adopted wine figures, marked a once-in-a-lifetime occasion by overstriking a gold medallion commemorating 100 years of pinotage, South Africa’s signature grape.
Hosted at Glenelly Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, the celebration united a select gathering of guests from the Pinotage Association and the Cape Mint, along with Madame May’s grandson, Nicolas Bureau, to honour both great milestones. Madame May’s legacy bridges continents, generations, and great vintages.
“This is more than symbolic. Pinotage and I were both born in 1925; it’s a beautiful story that our lives have crossed like this,” said Madame May, Bordeaux-born grande dame of wine who started her South African wine journey at age 78.
“I’ve always admired Pinotage for its complexity and character, and I’m deeply honoured to be part of this moment.”
Professor Izak Perold was the visionary who crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsault to create Pinotage in 1925.
The 24-carat pure gold medallion, weighing one troy ounce (31,1 g), was designed and sculpted by Natanya van Niekerk, award-winning numismatist and director of the Cape Mint. It forms part of a limited-edition series celebrating the Pinotage centenary, with only 300 medallions worldwide to feature a unique privy mark.
The tiny, engraved angel prattling over a crystal wine glass was inspired by a family story shared by Perold’s granddaughter about him calling exceptional wine “engeltjiepiepie”. Each of these exclusive medallions will be hand-finished with a touch of red enamel, symbolising wines “touched by an angel”.
Madame May personally struck the launch edition medallion using a hand press capable of applying 1,5 tons of pressure, adding the final, symbolic detail that marks it as a true heritage piece.
“This moment is the culmination of what numismatics is all about,” said Van Niekerk. “The story of Pinotage, born from French cultivars and perfected in South African soil, and the presence of Madame May, a symbol of French heritage and South African adoption, make this a moment that transcends time; more than art, a legacy cast in gold.”
The medallion features Perold in relief, an impressive numismatic achievement on a thin gold plate. It also bears the parent-grape varieties’ names on either side with Pinotage centre, Perold’s signature and a laurel wreath of grapes, a symbol of SA’s rich wine heritage.
Each medallion comes in a premium hardwood box and with a numbered certificate of authenticity from the Cape Mint.
Beyers Truter, chairperson of the Pinotage Association and lifelong champion, noted: “Pinotage should be registered as a South African asset, like gold. This medallion not only marks the past, but will also carry Pinotage’s story into the future. Both the wine and this medallion will increase in worth and meaning as time goes on.”
The gold medallion follows on a silver medallion, featuring a two-dimensional silhouette of Perold, released in early May. Later this year the collection will culminate in a grand finale release, set to coincide with the major Pinotage centenary celebrations in October.
The Pinotage Association will benefit from the sales of the medallions, valued at R70 000 each, which will help to further promote and protect the cultivar globally.
You must be logged in to post a comment.