Pinotage: Boldly South African, Uniquely Delicious!

What is Pinotage?
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature red grape variety, known for its bold flavours, deep colour, and unique character. It's a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (formerly known as Hermitage in South Africa), created to combine the elegance of Pinot Noir with the robustness of Cinsaut.

History
Pinotage was developed in 1925 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold at Stellenbosch University. He successfully crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsaut but left the seedlings behind when he moved jobs. Fortunately, they were later rescued and cultivated by Dr. Charlie Niehaus.

The first commercial Pinotage wines appeared in the 1950s, with Lanzerac releasing the first labelled Pinotage in 1961. Initially, Pinotage had a reputation for inconsistent quality, but over time, winemakers refined their techniques, leading to high-quality, world-class expressions of the variety.

Characteristics & Styles
Pinotage is known for its rich, bold flavours, with notes of dark berries, plums, and spices, often accompanied by smoky, earthy, or even banana-like aromas. Some versions can show hints of chocolate, coffee, and tobacco, depending on the winemaking style.

Common styles include:

Classic Pinotage – Fruity, medium- to full-bodied with soft tannins.

Bold, Oak-Aged Pinotage – More structured with deep flavors of black fruit, spice, and leather.

Coffee-Style Pinotage – A modern style with strong mocha and chocolate notes due to specific oak treatment.

Cape Blends – Pinotage blended with varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz for added complexity.

Where is Pinotage Grown?
Pinotage thrives in South Africa’s warm, dry climate, especially in regions like:

Stellenbosch – Produces some of the finest, age-worthy Pinotage wines.

Swartland – Known for bold, intense expressions.

Paarl & Wellington – Offers fruit-forward, approachable styles.

Today, Pinotage is a source of national pride for South Africa, representing the country’s unique winemaking heritage. While it has had a turbulent past, modern winemaking techniques have elevated Pinotage to world-class status, making it a must-try for wine lovers looking for something distinctively South African.