Pinotage
South Africa's signature grape, a 1925 cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, giving deeply colored, smoky reds.
About Pinotage
Pinotage is South Africa's own creation, bred in 1925 by Abraham Perold, first professor of viticulture at Stellenbosch, who crossed Pinot Noir with Cinsaut (then locally called Hermitage). The result is a robust, deeply colored red that ripens early and yields wines of dark plum, blackberry and bramble, often with smoky, earthy and dried-banana notes. Once dogged by a reputation for harsh, acetone-like flavors from over-extraction, the grape has been transformed by better viticulture and cellar work. Modern Stellenbosch and Swartland producers craft everything from juicy, approachable reds to serious, cellar-worthy bottlings, while a popular 'coffee' style leans on charred oak. Pinotage also anchors the 'Cape Blend,' where it joins Bordeaux varieties. It remains the proud, singular emblem of the South African wine industry.
Variety profile
Editorial notes
Seek estate wines from Stellenbosch (e.g. Kanonkop) for the serious side; the charred-oak 'coffee' style is a distinct, love-it-or-hate-it category. Great with barbecue and game.