“Wine improves with age. The older I get, the better I like it.” Anonymous
Sometimes I stop and ask myself, when was the last time I had a glass of bad wine? I actually can’t recall one, definitely not recently. The standard of basic winemaking is so high now that a wine drinker may never get to taste a wine that is not honest and drinkable.
There are thousands of grape varieties in the world, somehow it feels like it comes down to just the few that we get offered in a restaurant or a bar. In this post you are going to discover a grape that has been around for almost 100 years and it’s very much an acquired taste, but one that’s so perfect for adventurous wine drinkers.
South Africa’s wines enjoy worldwide success due to their balance between quality and price. Argentina has its Malbec, California it’s Zinfandel and South Africa … it’s powerful Pinotage. If you love a bold barbecue-friendly wine, Pinotage is definitely worth investigating.
BRIEF HISTORY
The Pinotage grape is in fact a native product of South African vineyards, one of the few unique red wine grapes that are produced as a signature variety. The grape is the direct result of a somewhat unusual cross of Cinsaut and Pinot Noir. It was first crossed in South Africa in 1925 in the gardens of scientist Abraham Perold. Perold’s goal was to create a wine that was as delicious and elegant as Pinot Noir, but grew as well as Cinsaut. The first vintage was produced in 1941.
NO FUSS
The Pinot Noir grape is notoriously difficult to grow, whilst Cinsault on the other hand, is a growers dream, extremely high-yielding, drought and disease resistant.
In some ways Cinsault dominated and Pinotage is very easy to grow and ripens earlier than cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. It is also not fussy about how it is grown, thriving on both bush and trellised vines.
TASTING NOTES
Keeping yields down is a major challenge in making a quality wine from Pinotage. This is because the more grapes per vine, the lower the concentration and quality of the juice.
Pinotage rarely displays its Pinot parentage, tending more toward dark fruits, tobacco and chocolate. Some lesser styles can touch extremes such as bacon and banana.
FLAVOURED SMOKE TANNIN & ACIDITY
The grape tends toward high tannins and low acids, adding further complications for the winemaker. It is attributed to the fact that, the percentage of the Cinsaut is higher than the Pinot Noir in this hybrid grape.
Expect bold tannins but with a sweet note on the finish, almost like flavoured smoke.
WHITE PINOTAGE
Oh yes it does exist, however I didn’t come across any white Pinotage that I would hope to ever see and taste again. With its slightly creamy and nutty character, this peculiar wine usually pairs quite well with strong flavoured fish, seafood and mild curries such as chicken korma.
FOOD PAIRING
As Pinotage wines can have plenty of body, you should match this weight with the food you’re preparing.
The thick grape skins usually ensure this wine is quite robust, full-bodied and a one-of-a-kind rustic red wine. Perfect for pairing with venison, duck, strong goat’s cheese and all sorts of barbecue, think grilled or slow-cooked sausages, beef, and lamb. BBQ meat is perfect to bring out the sweeter notes and inherent smokiness of Pinotage.
A medium-bodied Pinotage goes considerably well with fresh fish, sushi, and thick soups.
Why not try it for yourself and see if you can smell bacon or bananas?
You may find some of my other wine/champagne related posts inspiring to try something new.
I need to try this. Anyway, looking gorgeous as always dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Wow, wine and cheese…! What more do we need??
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
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Author
Exactly! Just a perfect evening xx
Now I’m craving a glass of wine! This sounds lovely!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Author
Pinotage is definitely worth a try! Xx
I adore dry red wine. That one sounds wonderful, especially that Pinot Noir is one of my favorite and that cross must be really good.
Beautiful pictures!
jointyicroissanty
Author
Pinot Noir is also my fave grape 🍇. It was quite an interesting experience to explore this peculiar mix of grapes 🍇 xx
I love a good wine! Thanks for sharing 🙂
https://www.mariannyc.com/best-health-wellness-products-you-need-right-now/
Author
You welcome! You should definitely give Pinotage a go! Xx
I’m not much of a wine drinker but this sounds delicious!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Author
Definitely Vanessa! Xx
Oh wow you seem to know so much about wine.
I don’t drink a lot of alcohol but this sounds nice.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Your dress is fab and hope you enjoyed the wine darling!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Author
Oh yes enjoyed the wine, definitely worth trying! Have a great weekend xx
How great you have constantly good wine! I see there is really a huge development in wine producing!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Author
I do like my wine and exploring new grapes or mixes! Xx
I love Pinot Noirs so I need to try this! It sounds delicious!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Your photos make me hungry and that vine looks amazing. That is perfect way to spent evening. You look stunning as always.
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Look yummy:)
Sounds like a great wine I am not a wine drinker but I am open to adventure myself into trying different wines to see if it converts me into a wine connoisseur I will keep an eye for this one Thanks for the amazing review and facts xoxo Cris
http://www.photosbycris.com.au/?p=3701
Oh the embellished fringing on your black dress is perfect for evening wear – stunning! This kind of setup totally appeals to me; the ultimate way to unwind at the weekend. Speaking of which, Happy Friday! 🙂
aglassofice.com x
That wine looks good!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated