Grape · South Africa
Pinotage
PEE-no-tahzh
South Africa's own crossing
Pinot Noir × Cinsault, born in 1925. It can smell of banana, smoke, and berries — or of burnt rubber when mishandled. The new wave is much better than the joke.
- blackberry
- smoke
- banana
- plum
- earth
Profile
Bodymedium
Acidmedium
Tanninmedium
Sugardry
The rubber-and-paint caricature came from hot ferments and rough handling. Cooler sites, whole cluster, and restrained extraction have produced Pinotage that tastes like savory Pinot with African dust — especially from Swartland and cooler Stellenbosch.
It is not Burgundy. Do not make it try. Drink it as a Cape original with barbecue and spice.
Braai, bobotie, and grilled mushrooms.
At the table
Service
57–61 °F (14–16 °C).
