Pinotage was first bred by Professor Abraham Perold at Stellenbosch University, aiming to combine Pinot Noir’s finesse with Cinsaut’s resilience in warm climates. Early plantings produced uneven results, but by the 1960s, successful bottlings earned Pinotage a permanent place in South African vineyards. The grape’s distinctive flavors were divisive—sometimes yielding overly rustic or rubbery wines—but modern vineyard and cellar practices have reset the narrative. Today, Pinotage serves as a statement of South African innovation and adaptability, championed both as a varietal wine and the backbone of Cape blends.
Pinotage
Region: Europe
Pinotage is South Africa’s flagship red grape, created by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (formerly known locally as Hermitage) in 1925. Its deeply colored, robust, and often intensely flavored wines have become symbols of the Cape’s winemaking identity. Pinotage thrives in the Western Cape’s varied climates, producing everything from bold dry reds to sultry rosés and even rich, fortified styles. Its character is unmistakable: ripe and wild black fruits, hints of coffee or chocolate, and a savory, earthy undertone that is uniquely South African.
Tasting Notes
Taste Profile
- Very Dry
- Full Body
- Moderate Tannins
- Moderate Acidity
- Approximately 13%
The History of Pinotage
FAQs About Pinotage
What foods pair best with Pinotage?
Pair with barbecued meats, spicy sausages, game, or hearty vegetable stews to match its bold structure and smoky notes.
Why does Pinotage sometimes taste smoky or coffee-like?
The grape naturally develops robust, savory flavors during fermentation, often enhanced by toasty oak aging and South Africa’s unique terroir.
Is Pinotage only made in South Africa?
South Africa remains its home and center of production, though smaller plantings exist in New Zealand, California, and some minor regions.
Can Pinotage be made into white or rosé wine?
While red Pinotage is most common, you’ll find Pinotage rosé and even lightly pressed “white Pinotage,” prized for fresh berry flavors.
Is Pinotage ageworthy?
Top-quality examples from old vines or skilled producers can evolve for a decade or more, gaining complex, savory character.