Pinotage
A super grape
Pinotage is a red wine grape originating from Stellenbosh, South Africa, and is its signature variety. Though related to it, Pinotage is quite often mistaken for Pinot Noir due to how similar their names sound. This particular wine grape doesn’t have a family of its own as it is a cross of Cinsaut (formerly known as ‘Hermitage’ ) and Pinot Noir, but it may constitute the following members:
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Gris
- Cinsaut
It is truly exceptional how this grape variety was developed by a South Africa professor, particularly for winery purposes. It is widely grown in South Africa, but a small portion is also grown in California, New Zealand, and a few other countries.
Pinotage
Pinotage, though an incredible variety of grapes, need to be handled with care during their growing season. It thrives in conditions such as bushy vines on sunny slopes and deep but excellent soil at water retention.
However, as mentioned above, it can be tricky to grow Pinotage. Too much sun may cause it to develop undesirable characteristics, such as an unpleasant acetone smell or a rubber-like texture. They are also prone to viral diseases, and the vines need to be tended to regularly.
Pinotage Taste Profile
Pinotage comes in a variety of red wine styles and a unique blend of flavors, aromas, and structure. A few qualities are mentioned as below:
Colour
Pinotage grapes are extremely dark in color, and the wine itself is of deep maroon shade.
Flavours & Aromas
High-quality Pinotage may have floral and earthy aromas such as black plum, cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and banana. There may also be hints and notes of oak, red pepper, tobacco, and licorice. Some other notes that can also be found in Pinotage are tar and plum sauce.
Spice
Pinotage wine that has aged in an oak casket will be smoky and spicy.
Taste
Pinotage wine is pleasantly dry. It is full-bodied and has high levels of tannin included.
Wine Structure
Pinotage’s wine structure reveals that it is highly acidic, has a dry sensation, an abv of 13-15%, high tannins, and is full-bodied. The higher quality Pinotage wines usually have a sweet, smoky finish.
Other properties
Oak: French and American oak barrels
- Age ability: Certain Pinotage wines were made to age and mature, and can do so for up to 8 years. However, certain wines were made to be consumed within a year.
- Other flavors: Dried leaves, Bacon, Sweet and Sour Sauce, Sweet Pipe Tobacco
- Serving temp: Cool to touch (61 °F | 15 °C)
Taste profile
The typical Pinotage is highly acidic, has high tannins, a full-body, and oak, red pepper, tobacco, and licorice notes.
Common regions to find Pinotage
- South Africa
- Canada
- Brazil
- Israel
- Zimbabwe
- New Zealand
- United States
Summary
The Pinotage wine consists of deep flavors and is a unique cross of two grape species. Though its growth is predominantly in South Africa, it is now also appearing in various other parts of the world and is considered a new world wine. The bold, smoky flavors of Pinotage work well with hearty and savory meals like barbecues, spicy Indian cuisine, pepperoni pizza, stew, Korean barbecue short ribs. They may even pair well with chocolate desserts.