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Pinotage
Pinotage is a South-African cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. With its distinctive dark colour, intense aromas, and full-bodied taste profile, it is one of the most popular reds in the South African wine landscape.
Colour, Aromas and Taste Profile
Pinotage typically features a deep purple or ruby red hue, though some wines made from the variety may be lighter in colour. The variety is known for its intense aromas, which can include notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, leather, smoke, and spice. The taste profile is full-bodied and generally features flavours of fruit, earth and spice.
Regional Features & Food Pairings
The variety is primarily grown in South Africa, though it is also cultivated in small amounts in New Zealand, Australia, Zimbabwe and Brazil. Pinotage is a hardy variety and it has a moderate to high resistance to disease. The variety is best suited to hillsides with moderate to good water-holding capacity. It is usually skin-fermented, pressed an then matured in oak for a period up to two years. Cheaper and more approachable styles are usually unaged and fermented in stainless steel. The styles of Pinotage vary depending on the region, soil, and climate. In general, the wines from the Coastal Region are usually lighter in body, with higher acidity and more delicate fruit flavours. Wines from the Swartland and Paarl regions tend to be fuller-bodied and more intense, with prominent notes of dark fruits and spice. Pinotage pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled fish to heartier dishes like roast beef and game. It is especially good with South African cuisine, such as boerewors (a type of sausage) and braaivleis (grilled meat).
Foods to pair with Pinotage:
Pizza
Beef
Game
Sausage
Smoky
Light meat
Salad
Fun Fact about Pinotage
Pinotage was bred in 1925 by South African professor Abraham Izak Perold (first professor of viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch), who crossed Pinot Noir with Cinsault in an attempt to create a variety better suited to the local climate.
Top Wines with Pinotage
Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend
Kanonkop
Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend is a premium red wine produced by Kanonkop, a renowned winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The wine is made from a blend of classic Bordeaux grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinotage sourced from the estate's vineyards in the Simonsberg region. The vineyards are known for their unique terroir, with decomposed granite soils and a cool maritime climate, which impart complexity and elegance to the wine. The winemaking involves traditional techniques, including hand sorting, open fermentation, and aging in French oak barrels. The resulting wine is a full-bodied, rich, and complex blend, with notes of blackcurrant, plum, and spice, and a long, smooth finish.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Vegetable
Lamb
Barista Pinotage
Barista
Barista Pinotage is a delicious red wine produced by the South African winery Barista. This wine is made from the Pinotage grape variety, which is known for its unique flavor profile. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Western Cape region of South Africa, where the climate and soil provide ideal growing conditions. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The resulting wine is full-bodied and rich, with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee. Barista Pinotage is a perfect choice for those who enjoy bold, flavorful red wines with a touch of complexity.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Vegetable
Lamb
Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage
Kanonkop
Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage is a highly regarded wine produced in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. The vineyards where the grapes are grown benefit from the region's unique climate and soil, resulting in exceptional quality. The winemaking process involves careful selection and hand-harvesting of the grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The wine showcases the distinct characteristics of the Pinotage grape, with its rich and complex flavors of dark berries, plums, and hints of spice. With its smooth tannins and well-balanced acidity, Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage is a versatile and enjoyable wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Read more Food Pairing:
Game
Pork
Beef
Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage
Diemersfontein
Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage is a premium wine produced by Diemersfontein Wine Estate in Wellington, South Africa. The wine is made from Pinotage grapes grown in the estate's vineyards, which are situated in a unique microclimate that benefits from cool breezes and warm sunshine. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the best grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The resulting wine is a rich and complex red, with notes of dark fruit, spice, and chocolate. The style of the wine is full-bodied and elegant, with a long and satisfying finish. Overall, Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage is a must-try for wine lovers looking for a high-quality South African wine with a unique character.
Read more Food Pairing:
Vegetable
Cheese
Beef
Nederburg The Winemaster's Pinotage
Nederburg
Nederburg The Winemaster's Pinotage is a delightful red wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Crafted in a renowned appellation, this wine is made from carefully selected grapes grown in exceptional vineyards. The winemaking process involves meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a wine that exudes elegance and finesse. With its distinct style, this Pinotage offers a harmonious balance of rich flavors and smooth tannins. It is a perfect choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a high-quality red wine that embodies the essence of its origin.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Game
Croquette