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.