Getting to Know Pinotage
Pinotage is the real McCoy! This South African grape has had its trials and tribulations, but is well supported locally, thanks to a large increase in plantings over recent years. Being lucky enough to have sat on the Pinotage Blends (red blends with a minimum of 30% Pinotage) judging panel, I have a soft spot for this grape and a strong belief in its future!
Pinotage tends to take on a rustic profile and often shows earth-driven notes, followed by dark fruit, red liquorice, rooibos, banana, dried leaves, sweet pipe tobacco, chocolate…
When Professor Abraham Perold from Stellenbosch University crossed a somewhat unusual pair, Pinot Noir with Cinsaut, in 1925, he literally created South Africa’s national grape. His aim was to combine the virtues of the two grapes. Pinot Noir is renowned for its aromas and flavours, but can be difficult to grow, whereas Cinsault yields an abundant crop and is cheerfully resistant to disease. It appears Cinsault dominated, as Pinotage is easy to grow and ripens readily. In fact, keeping yields down is a major challenge in making a quality wine from Pinotage.
A typical slow starter, it only appeared commercially in the early 1960s and attracted international interest in 1991, when the winemaker, Beyers Truter, entered a Pinotage in the International Wine and Spirit Competition. He was named ‘Winemaker of the Year’ – the first South African to ever be bestowed this honour.
Pinotage can be presented in a dramatic range of styles, from a fairly light-bodied, red berry-driven wine all the way to a full-bodied wine with balance, elegance, fully developed fruit flavours and an enduring finish. Generally, Pinotage tends to take on a rustic profile and often shows earth-driven notes, followed by dark fruit, red liquorice, rooibos, banana, dried leaves, sweet pipe tobacco, chocolate, or even smoky bacon-flavoured Kips. The best will age elegantly without losing their muscularity. In recent years, there has been a development in the heavier mocha, chocolate-style Pinotage, which has woven its magical spell and brought a range of new consumers into the wine drinking market.
Food pairings range quite significantly, from robust and rustic dishes like smoked duck, pulled pork, chilli con carne or potjie to light charcuterie, patés, and baked pasta dishes like lasagne or pizza – particularly one with a meaty topping. Its slight perceived sweetness also makes it a good match for hard cheeses, like cheddar or blue, but it shines brightest with classic South African braai dishes.
3 Facts you about Pinotage
- The inaugural meeting of the Pinotage Association was held in Paarl on 23 November 1995. Their aim is to protect and grow the awareness of this unique grape cultivar.
- This red grape has inspired winemakers to be daring and invent interesting wine spin-off styles. In particular, Mellasat Vineyards has created the world’s very first white Pinotage, while KWV’s Café Culture has added coffee Pinotage bubbly to their range.
- Pinotage has its very own day to celebrate just how awesome it is: International Pinotage Day, which is observed on the second Saturday of October, annually. This year, International Pinotage Day falls on the 12th of October.
Great South African Pinotages
Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2016
Spier 21 Gables is a range of single varietal wines that represent both the conditions of each vintage and the nuance of terroir. The name pays tribute to the farm’s 300-year winemaking heritage and unique architectural legacy: an unrivalled 21 Cape Dutch Gables. One of the cornerstones of this range is the Pinotage, which is barrel-fermented and matured, and central to South Africa’s vinous history.
| WINEMAKER | Johan Jordaan |
| WO | Stellenbosch |
| TASTING NOTES | Flavours of caramelised black cherries, hints of dark spice and dark chocolate. The full palate’s smooth entry is followed by rich fruit and velvety tannins. |
| WE LOVE IT WITH | Braaied Lamb Ribs with Artichokes & Citrus Vinaigrette |
| PRICE | R900.00 (Magnum; 1.5L) |
Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage
In the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands lies Beyerskloof. Offering an abundance of exquisite vines on the farm, Beyerskloof is renowned for its broad range of world-class wines. Backed by a wealth of experience, the farmers tend to the vineyards to harvest the best quality grapes with their richness in texture and colour.
| WINEMAKER | Anri Truter |
| WO | Western Cape |
| TASTING NOTES |
A big structured Pinotage with intense dark fruit flavours. A deep middle leads to a smooth finish with pleasant chocolate/cedar aromas from the French oak. Great balance between fruit and oak will allow superb ageing in the bottle for 10 years and more. The ideal match to spicy Indian dishes or a well-matured rump/sirloin steak. |
| WE LOVE IT WITH | Pork Neck Vindaloo Curry |
| PRICE | R1100.00 per bottle |
Simonsvlei Ja Mocha Pinotage 2021
Simonsvlei has a wealth of tradition and experienced viticulture. Named after the legendary Simon van der Stel, Simonsvlei, has ingrained its mark since the 17th Century. Upon such a foundation, Simonsvlei continues to innovate and propel the wine industry forward.
| WO | Western Cape |
| TASTING NOTES | Ja Mocha expresses overtones of dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. It is a well-balanced, full-bodied Pinotage that is not overly fruity. |
| WE LOVE IT WITH | Chocolate Olive Oil Torte with Cardamom, Pears & Almonds |
| PRICE | R105.00 per bottle |
The Winery of Good Hope Full Berry Fermentation Pinotage 2022
Introducing The Winery of Good Hope’s Full Berry Pinotage – this is not your usual tannic, over-ripe, over-the-top wine – this is smooth, juicy and delicious Pinotage, made divinely.
| WINEMAKER | A collaborative effort. |
| WO | Stellenbosch |
| TASTING NOTES | On the nose, dark fruits of blackberry and cherry. On the palate: rich and inviting with juicy dark fruits – black plum, blackberry, clove spice and a generous weight and silky, smooth finish. |
| WE LOVE IT WITH | Flatbread with Brie Cheese, Prosciutto, Rocket & Cherries |
| PRICE | R159.00 per bottle |
Kanonkop Pinotage 2014
Located on the slopes of Simonsberg, Kanonkop Estate is home to many of South Africa’s premium wines. The Estate’s unique name is derived from the word kopje, meaning ‘hillock’. In the 17th Century, a cannon was commonly fired from here to warn farmers of foreign sailing ships arriving in Cape Town.
| WINEMAKER | Abrie Beeslaar |
| WO | Stellenbosch |
| TASTING NOTES | Deep intense ruby red colour. A bold intensity of plum, cherries, black figs, dark chocolate and spicy oak. This balanced wine has creamy tannins with a satisfying acidity. It pairs well with red meat or Asian-style dishes when young; lamb or mutton dishes when matured. |
| WE LOVE IT WITH | Indonesian Short Ribs with Plums |
| PRICE | R850.00 per bottle |
Meerendal Heritage Block Pinotage 2016
Meerendal Wine Estate has been around for over 300 years and was pioneered by the owner’s widow, Christina Stans, in 1714. Today, the estate is flourishing with wine tastings overlooking the Boland or held in the cellar. Meerendal Wine Estate is also home to the Bossa Winelands eatery, and visitors can dine out at their Italian-inspired restaurant, LaRomantica.
| WINEMAKER | Liza Goodwin |
| WO | Durbanville |
| TASTING NOTES | Deep purple in colour with a strong scent of bramble, the Meerendal Heritage Block Pinotage is a classic. It boasts combinations of plum, prune, oak and a distinct yet supple tannin undertone. This Pinotage pairs well with rich cheeses. |
| WE LOVE IT WITH | Whipped Feta & Cream Cheese with Green Olive Salsa Verde |
| PRICE | R3540.00 per case |
DeWaal Top of the Hill Pinotage 2018
DeWaal Wine Estate is home to the oldest Pinotage vines in the country and their quality in wine is only a testament to this. The grapes are juicy, rich in colour and delicious in taste, producing eloquent wines. DeWaal’s mature vineyards are nestled in the Stellenbosch Kloof valley and has been in the family since 1864.
| WINEMAKER | Daniel de Waal |
| WO | Stellenbosch |
| TASTING NOTES | Dark red wine with an even concentration and texture. Its lingering taste on the palate is reminiscent of intense black fruit. Venison, oxtail and Gruyère cheese pair exceptionally well with this wine. |
| WE LOVE IT WITH | Slow Braised Oxtail with Orange, Fennel & Thyme |
| PRICE | R860.00 per bottle |
Lanzerac Pinotage 2020
Lanzerac Wine Estate is part of a bold legacy – it is home to the world’s first bottled Pinotage. The wine farm dates back to as far as 1692 and is one of the oldest in the Western Cape. Today, the estate’s 5-star hotel and luxurious spa attracts many visitors. Wine and food epicureans can indulge their tastebuds at one of their many restaurants: Lanzerac Deli, Manor Kitchen, Taphuis or Craven Lounge.
| WINEMAKER | Wynand Lategan |
| WO | Stellenbosch |
| TASTING NOTES | Three words – juicy, succulent and smooth. This Pinotage offers smoky, soft top notes mixed with berries and plums. The tannins contribute to a spicy, meaty characteristic that sets the Lanzerac Pinotage 2015 apart from the rest. |
| WE LOVE IT WITH | Pulled Pork with Sticky Plum Sauce |
| PRICE | R440.00 (per bottle; Magnum) |
Curious about wine? Get to know Red and White Blends | Shiraz | Chardonnay | Chenin Blanc | Cabernet Sauvignon | Merlot
Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Newsletter
Related Articles
