Pinotage grape variety

Pinotage is a cross between Hermitage (a synonym for Cinsault) and Pinot Noir, which originated in South Africa in the 1920s. The red grape variety produces powerful wines with high tannins and moderate acidity. It is early-ripening and typically displays red berry fruit flavours, which are complemented by spicy notes and often an unmistakable smoky or smoked bacon aroma. This is one of the reasons why Pinotage is ideal for ageing in wood. Strong roasted or smoked flavours are also the signpost for the food, an ostrich steak from the grill also blossoms through the regional bridge to the wine. However, its often intense, rather special flavour is not to everyone's taste. However, this cannot diminish its importance as the great independent variety of Africa.

Order Pinotage wines online

Beaumont Family Wines Jackals River Pinotage 2019

Walker Bay, South Afrika

27.50 €

0.75 l, 36.67 €/l
in stock

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Pinotage wine

What characterises the Pinotage grape variety?

Pinotage is the national grape variety of South Africa and was developed in 1925 from a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. The result: a powerful, fruity red wine with a distinctive character that has long since achieved cult status.

What is Pinotage wine?

Where is Pinotage grown?

The grape variety is mainly cultivated in South Africa - particularly in the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Swartland regions. Smaller areas are also cultivated in New Zealand, Canada and Israel, but the heart of Pinotage remains South Africa.

How do I store Pinotage correctly?

- Unopened: store in a cool, dark place at approx. 12-16 °C.

- Optimal drinking maturity: most Pinotage should be enjoyed young (3-6 years),

However, top wines can mature for 10 years or longer

What dishes go well with Pinotage?

Pinotage is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meat, game, lamb and savoury stews. Strong vegetarian dishes such as ratatouille or mushroom ragout also harmonise excellently.

What is the difference between Pinotage and Pinot Noir?

Although Pinotage is derived from Pinot Noir, it is stronger, spicier and more full-bodied. Pinot Noir tends to be more elegant and delicate, while Pinotage impresses with its intense flavours and full body.

How much does a bottle of Pinotage cost on average?

A good bottle of Pinotage costs between 8 and 15 euros on average. Premium wines from top vineyards can reach 30 euros or more.

How long can you keep an opened bottle of Pinotage?

Once opened, Pinotage will keep for around 2-4 days if stored in a cool place and sealed. In the refrigerator, the shelf life can be extended to up to 5 days.

What is the best way to serve Pinotage?

- Serving temperature: 16-18 °C

Serve in a generous red wine glass

- Decant before drinking to allow the flavours to develop

Where can I buy Pinotage?

We offer an exquisite selection of Pinotage wines direct from South Africa - from uncomplicated everyday wines to fine premium cuvées.

You can find information on other grape varieties here.

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Merlot

Merlot is a red grape that is one of the three major Bordeaux varieties. It is cultivated worldwide, but is particularly widespread in France and California. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with rather soft tannins and moderate acidity. Merlot wines typically show aromas of red and black fruits such as cherry, plum and blackcurrant, complemented by notes of vanilla, chocolate and spices. The grape is often used in cuvees such as Bordeaux wine.

Lemberger/Blaufränkisch

Lemberger, better known as Blaufränkisch in Austria, is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in southern Germany and Austria. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with moderate to strong tannins and fresh acidity. Lemberger wines have great finesse and the potential to reflect the terroir from which they originate.

Frühburgunder

Frühburgunder, also known as Pinot Madeleine, is a red grape variety that is closely related to Pinot Noir. It is also cultivated in France, but mainly in Germany. The grape ripens - nomen est omen - earlier than Pinot Noir and produces somewhat richer wines with velvety tannins and good acidity.

Dornfelder

The Dornfelder grape variety is the most successful new red variety from Germany. Dornfelder is known for its medium body and soft tannins - as well as its deep dark colour. However, it should not be confused with the similar-sounding Dunkelfelder variety.

Carmenère

Carmenère gilt als die "Signature Grape" Chiles. Fast die Hälfte der weltweiten Bestände wachsen dort. Ursprünglich stammt die Sorte aber aus Bordeaux, wo vor der Reblauskatastrophe weit verbreitet war.

Carignan

Carignan originally comes from Spain - but today it is mainly at home in the neighbouring south of France, Languedoc-Roussillon. It is characterised by a deep dark colour, strong tannins and high acidity.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the most widely cultivated white premium grape variety. Its origins probably lie in Burgundy, but today it is grown all over the world. One of the reasons for its success is its enormous ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions.

Chasselas

Chasselas is a white grape variety that is mainly cultivated in Switzerland, particularly in the Vaud region. It is also found in France and in Germany and Austria under the name Chasselas.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that originated in the French Loire Valley and is known for its versatility. Chenin can be vinified both dry and sweet, still and sparkling. Its flavour is characterised by high acidity and lots of fruit such as green apple, pear or quince, often complemented by honey notes. Depending on the terroir and vinification, the grape can also show both mineral and floral tones.

Silvaner

Silvaner is a white grape variety that originated in Austria, but is now most widespread in Germany, where it plays an important role alongside Riesling. Other noteworthy stocks can still be found in Alsace in France. The wines are known for their freshness, minerality and sometimes strong, earthy character.

Sémillon

Sémillon is a noble white grape variety that originates from France, but has now also found a home in the New World. The wines are known for their fruity flavours and full body. Dry Sémillon wines typically show flavours of lemon or lime, while the sweet and noble sweet varieties have apricot, peach, honey, candied fruit or nutty tones.

Catarratto

Catarratto is an indigenous white grape from Sicily, Italy. It is one of the most widely cultivated grapes there. Catarratto wines are generally fresh and fruity, with a medium body and good acidity. Typical flavours are citrus fruit, green apple and floral notes, often accompanied by a hint of almond and minerality.