Pinotage

The love child of Cinsault and Pinot Noir, this hybrid grape was created by Professor A. I. Perold in 1924…it was then promptly ignored for half a century. Thankfully, however, the South Africans realized its potential and are now producing some top quality red wines with it. Often it is blended with other varieties to create what they call the ‘Cape Blend’.
 
What am I getting?
Pinotage is known for high tannins, smoky flavours and dark fruit or even bramble characteristics. It’s not a terribly easy grape to grow, nor is it easy to fashion into a drinkable wine so it comes in a range of styles from easy drinking, inexpensive drinking wines to some well-structured, solid red wines. If producers don’t take care, Pinotage is known for giving off burnt rubber aromas…which isn’t really enjoyable for anyone involved. However, when it goes right you can enjoy plum, cherry, blackberry and even banana flavours from these wines.
 
What can I drink it with?
For the more powerful Pinotage wines robust dishes like smoked duck and pulled pork will be bang on the money – as would any smokey veg like grilled peppers. The lighter styles also go nicely with fish dishes, some even think that it’s a good match for sushi.
 
I want it!
Let’s not go crazy…
Robertson Winery 2017 Pinotage (medium, South Africa) £9.95 per bottle
All out!
David & Nadia 2015 Pinotage (medium, South Africa) £15.00 per bottle