Pinotage

TL; DR

South African native red with an improving reputation.

So, what is it?--red

One of the few famous grapes that is not naturally occurring! It's a genetic crossing between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, developed by Professor Abraham Perold at the Stellenbosch University in 1925.

Where does it come from?--aromatic

Born in South Africa, Pinotage is that country's best-known grape and hasn't really spread its wings too far, occasionally popping up in New Zealand and Israel...

Who's famous for it?--racy

South Africa - Stellenbosch, Paarl

New Zealand - North Island

Israel - Judean Plains

What does it taste like?--aromatic

For decades Pinotage was decried as inferior due to a telltale smokey or rubbery aroma that many of the wines had. Superior winemaking techniques have mostly cleared this up, and we get to see the range of rich plum, mulberry and cocoa flavours that this grape has. Responds well to oak, and is broad shouldered and firm.

Main styles it's known for?--cellar

Has been best known for full bodied, oaky wines for decades, but recently a few South African producers are attempting to make lighter wines, more in the style of Gamay, with mixed results.

What are good Pinotage food pairings?--plum

It's well known that local wines work best with local food, so when we look to South Africa the main style of cooking is the braai, or BBQ! It just so happens that smoky Pinotage wines work wonderfully with smoky, charry food straight off the BBQ - so try grilled sausages, kebabs, charred vegetables and slow-cooked meat.

Fun fact--earth

The grape is named after it's 'parents' - Cinsault (aka Hermitage) and Pinot Noir. The inverse was also considered - 'Herminoir'. Do you think they got it right?

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Carmenere, Malbec