Each year, on the second Saturday of October, wine enthusiasts around the world come together to celebrate the International Pinotage Day. This special day is dedicated to honoring Pinotage, a distinctive red grape variety that has deep roots in South African viticulture. Pinotage has a fascinating history, a unique flavor profile, and a growing global presence. On October 14th, let's raise a glass to this remarkable grape and explore its journey from creation to its modern appearance.

Pinotage comes in all colors. (Photo: Kateryna Hliznitsova, unsplash.com)

The Birth of Pinotage

In the sun-kissed vineyards of South Africa, a wine revolution was quietly fermenting in 1925. It was the brainchild of Abraham Izak Perold, a chemist and viticulturist with a visionary dream. His mission? To combine the delicate allure of Pinot Noir with the sturdy, drought-defying spirit of Cinsaut, locally known as Hermitage. What emerged was Pinotage – a wine as bold as it was unexpecting, with a unique identity that set it apart from its parents.

A Fusion of Legacy

Perold's experiment wasn't just about crossing vine varieties; it was about fusing legacies. Pinot Noir, known for its finesse but challenging growth, met Cinsauts resilience and prolific yield. The result was a revelation – Pinotage, a wine that spoke of South African terroir in a voice all its own.

Pinotage is a versatile food companion. (Photo: Camille Brodard, unsplash.com)

A Taste of Distinction

Pinotage's flavor profile is a symphony of contrasts. It offers notes of blackberry, licorice, plum, and raspberry, mingling with hints of red pepper, rooibos tea, smoke, sweet tobacco, and tar. These layers of complexity make Pinotage a versatile companion to a variety of dishes.

From its South African roots, Pinotage embarked on a global adventure. It found homes in vineyards across Brazil, Canada, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, and the United States, captivating wine lovers with its unique charm.

Celebrating Pinotage

Every second Saturday of October, wine enthusiasts unite to toast International Pinotage Day. It's a day to celebrate the heritage, flavor, and resilience of this extraordinary grape. Whether you're enjoying a glass at home or exploring Pinotage-themed events, it's a moment to savor the essence of South African winemaking.

The story of Pinotage is one of innovation, heritage, and a touch of the unexpected. Born from the South African soil, it has travelled the world, sharing its bold character and rich flavors.

So what are you waiting for? Enjoy your glass of Pinotage picked from a huge range of different producers, origins and wine styles from VinoVoss.

Cheers from the VinoVoss team!

Lotte Gabrovits