South African Pinotage red wines are famous for those who enjoy different varieties of wine. Pinotage is a type of hybrid grape and has been used since the 1920s as an ingredient and often blended with other varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. In this article, we aim to teach you about the backstory of Pinotage, as well as provide more information on the different types of Pinotage available in Wine Styles! Pinotage is, without doubt, one of the best red wines from South Africa. Pinotage is very much a South African Red Wine.
A Little History of South African Pinotage
South African Pinotage red wine is a unique blend of two grape varieties – Pinot Noir and Cinsault. The result is a full-bodied, fruity wine with soft tannins and a slightly smoky flavour.
This distinctive wine originated in South Africa, developed in the early 20th century by pioneering winemaker Abraham Izak Perold. Today, Pinotage is produced worldwide, but South Africa remains its spiritual home.
How Does Pinotage Taste?
Pinotage is a uniquely South African red wine grape that offers up flavours of smoky bacon, dark fruits, and spice, often compared to Pinot Noir, but with more intense flavours. Pinotage is best enjoyed with food, as its bold flavours on their own can easily overwhelm the palate. When pairing Pinotage with food, look for dishes with bold flavours that can stand up to the wine. Grilled meats, robust stews, and sharp cheeses are all great choices.
The Different Styles of South African Pinotage
The different styles of Pinotage vary depending on the ratio of the two grape varieties used and the winemaking process. The most common style is the fruity, easy-drinking style that is typically made up of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Cinsault. This style is often aged in oak barrels for six months to a year, resulting in a smooth, well-rounded wine with notes of ripe berries and spice.
Another popular style of Pinotage is the more robust and tannic style of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Cinsault. This style is usually not aged in oak barrels, resulting in a wine with more structure and harsher tannins. These wines are often best enjoyed after being cellared for a few years to allow the tannins to soften.
Finally, there is the rarer 100% Pinot Noir style which, as its name suggests, is made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes. These wines are extremely limited in production and can be pretty pricey. They tend to be very intense in flavour, with high acidity levels and tannins. Due to their rarity, these wines are often sought after by collectors and
South African Pinotage to Try
The South African Wines Website stocks an extensive collection of Pinotage wines along with many other find South African Wines. Take a look at our selection of South African Pinotage wines and discover one you will love.
KWV The Mentors Pinotage 2012
This wine is made by one of the oldest and most respected wineries in South Africa. The KWV The Mentors Pinotage 2012 is a wine that shows off the best of what this grape can be. It has intense fruit flavours, balanced acidity, and a smooth finish.
Meerlust Rubicon
Meerlust is another iconic South African winery, and their Rubicon is one of the most popular Pinotage red wines around. This wine is known for its juicy fruit flavours, complex structure, and long finish. This is now available on the website. You can buy it by clicking here
Nederburg Ingenuity
Nederburg is a newer winery, but they are already making waves with their Ingenuity Pinotage red wine. This wine is all about ripe fruit flavours and soft tannins.
False Bay ‘Bush Vine’ Pinotage
Try False Bay Bush Vine Pinotage, a rich and savory Pinotage with plummy aromas and a hint of barbecued meat. Hand-harvested, fermented with wild yeast and aged in French oak casks. Perfectly paired with pork belly, barbecued meats and game. Vegan-friendly and sustainably farmed, indulge in the unique flavors of coastal South Africa with each sip.
For more information on the Pinotage blend click here to go to Wikipedia
To see our full range of Pinotage wines click here
