Pinotage it's one of the most interesting grapes in the wine world! Created in South Africa in 1925, this grape has a special story. Professor Abraham Perold at Stellenbosch University made it by crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault (which they called "Hermitage" back then - that's where the name "Pinotage" comes from).
You might be surprised to learn that even though Pinotage is South Africa's signature grape, it only makes up less than 10% of their vineyards - about 17,426 acres. It's like having a national treasure that's still somewhat rare! While it's not grown much worldwide, people who try good Pinotage often become big fans. There's something about its rich, deep flavors that really stands out - especially when made by a skilled winemaker.
The Pinotage story shows remarkable determination. Going from a lab experiment to South Africa's third most planted red grape is impressive! This happened because winemakers truly believed in it. The growing areas in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Swartland deserve credit too - these places have helped shape what makes Pinotage special.
As you learn more about what makes this grape unique - its special traits, the places where it grows best, and how it's become the face of South African wine around the world - you'll understand its appeal!
Ever wondered about Pinotage? This special grape is South Africa's wine treasure, with a story as rich as its taste. Back in 1925 at Stellenbosch University, Professor Abraham Perold had a clever idea to mix Pinot Noir with Cinsault (called Hermitage back then) to make a grape that could grow well in South Africa's tough climate.
You can spot Pinotage vines by how quickly they grow and ripen. These plants often make grapes full of sugar. In South African vineyards, you'll see both old-style bushvines and newer trellised systems. Those older bushvines are valuable because they make fewer but more flavorful grapes.
Pinotage grapes are remarkably dark—like tiny black beads in clusters. This dark skin protects them from the strong South African sun. When you drink Pinotage wine, you'll notice its deep reddish-purple color and strong taste with noticeable tannins.
Pinotage hasn't always been popular. Think of it as that friend who just needed the right chance to shine. Thanks to better growing methods, Pinotage has really improved. You can find young, fruity Pinotage for everyday meals or complex, aging varieties for special occasions. This adaptable grape keeps surprising wine fans worldwide!
Pinotage is a South African grape variety created in 1925 by scientist Abraham Perold, crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. The grape was part of a 1920s trend of creating “super” grapes, including Austrian Zweigelt and German Scheurebe.
Pinotage is a unique grape that has been used in the production of wine in South Africa for many years.
The first Pinotage vines were planted at Myrtle Grove in 1943, and the first single-varietal Pinotage wine was released in 1961.
Pinotage vines are vigorous and easy to grow, ripening early with high sugar levels.
Due to the grape's high pH, winemakers often need to acidify the wine during fermentation to balance its low acidity.
The grape is naturally high in tannins, which can be tamed with limited maceration time or reduced skin contact. Winemakers use various techniques, such as long and cool fermentation periods, and sometimes finish the fermentation process separated from the skins to influence the final taste profile.
Some winemakers experiment with letting grapes get very ripe prior to harvest and using limited oak exposure to tame negative characteristics while maintaining fruitiness.
Pinotage thrives in South Africa’s diverse landscapes, with warm climates and various soil compositions. The grape flourishes in regions with sandy, loamy soils, coastal regions with cooling sea breezes, and inland areas with adequate water retention.
Pinotage is well-suited to various growing conditions, including dryland farming and bush vine cultivation. Regions with well-defined diurnal temperature shifts enhance flavour complexity and acidity.
South African Pinotage growers are making wine in ways that help our planet. Since 1998, they've followed green guidelines that now reach over 95% of vineyards. This isn't just for show—caring for the earth has become key to making South Africa's famous red grape. These methods create better wines while keeping vineyards healthy for years to come.
These are some of the best green practices used in Pinotage grapes:
Pinotage gives rise to a captivating array of wines, from young and fruit-forward to full-bodied and age-worthy. Young renditions offer a burst of red fruitiness, while deeper expressions unveil black fruit nuances and earthy notes. Full-bodied incarnations boast lush textures and intensifying dark fruit, while aged wines mature into a treasure trove of tertiary aromas. Pinotage lends complexity to blends and refreshment to rosés.
Some of the most famous Pinotage wines are:
Pinotage wine is a great option for those who enjoy a bold taste with notes of dark fruit, plum sauce, and spices. However, if over-extracted, It can develop unpleasant flavours reminiscent of burnt tar, indicating a flaw in its quality.
The grape variety typically exhibits brambleberry flavours, medium to high acidity, and soft, round grape-derived tannins.
Pinotage can be made in a wide variety of styles, from light and medium-bodied reds to rich, full-bodied wines built to age.
Proponents of the “new wave” style of Pinotage cite floral aromatics and describe the wines as having a “pure and vibrant” palate with good acidity.
Pinotage pairs well with grilled meats, barbecue, braised dishes, and spicy cuisine. Its smoky and fruity notes harmonize with grilled meats, while its robust profile stands up to barbecue flavours.
Rich, slow-cooked dishes align with Pinotage’s depth and intensity, and its fruitiness can counterbalance spiciness. Pinotage is a great choice for barbecues. Its common notes include floral and black fruit, as well as raspberry, licorice, and red pepper flavours.
Pinotage is a versatile grape that often finds itself in the company of other varietals, adding depth and complexity to a range of wines, particularly in South Africa. When blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz, Pinotage contributes to full-bodied wines with a rich and robust flavour profile. These blends often showcase a harmonious balance of dark fruit, spice, and tannins, making them a favourite among wine enthusiasts.
In rosé blends, Pinotage’s fruity and floral notes shine through, adding a refreshing and vibrant touch. Some winemakers take a creative approach by blending Pinotage with unique grape varieties like Chenin Blanc or Grenache, resulting in innovative and complex wines that push the boundaries of traditional winemaking.
As a single-varietal wine, Pinotage stands out for its distinct characteristics and bold flavour profile. When blended with Pinot Noir, it can enhance the wine’s fruitiness and acidity, creating a well-balanced and elegant expression. Additionally, blending Pinotage with other South African grape varieties, such as Cinsault or Tinta Barroca, produces wines that reflect the country’s diverse terroir and winemaking heritage.
Oak barrels can further enhance the structure of Pinotage blends, adding subtle vanilla and spice flavours. Some winemakers choose to ferment Pinotage grapes separately from other varieties, allowing for precise control over the final blend and ensuring that each component contributes its best qualities.
Despite its somewhat misleading reputation, Pinotage is a unique grape variety that offers a wide range of blending possibilities and flavour profiles. Its versatility and distinctive character make it a valuable addition to any winemaker’s repertoire, resulting in wines that are intriguing and enjoyable.
Pinotage experienced a renaissance in South Africa, with an increasing number of producers exploring a bright and juicy expression of the variety.
The quality, demand, and supply of Pinotage grew significantly from 2007 to 2017, with domestic sales increasing to over 5 million litres and exports growing to close to 19 million litres.
Pinotage is now grown in several countries, including New Zealand, the United States, and Germany, and is considered a symbol of South Africa’s distinctive winemaking traditions.
The grape is used in a range of styles, from easy-drinking quaffing wine to barrel-aged wine intended for cellaring.
Pinotage is a unique and hardy grape variety that has overcome its bad reputation to become a popular choice for wine enthusiasts. With its bold flavour profile and versatility in winemaking, Pinotage is a great option for those looking to try something new. Whether you prefer a light and fruity Pinotage or a rich and full-bodied one, there’s a style to suit every taste. Pinotage is a true South African gem, and its renaissance is a testament to the country’s thriving wine industry.
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