Are you a fan of South African wines? If so, then you've probably heard of Pinotage. This red wine grape is considered to be South Africa's signature variety and is 98% of the world's Pinotage wines. Pinotage was first bred in Stellenbosch in 1925 by crossing the Pinot noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage) grapes. It is also commonly found in blends with Shiraz, which is known as Syrah outside of France where it originates.
If you've been looking for some delicious Pinotage brands to try, then look no further! We've compiled a list of some of our favorites that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
First on our list is the Kanonkop 2021 Kadette Dry Pinotage Rosé from the Coastal Region. This delightful rosé features aromas and flavors of raspberry and wild strawberry that are balanced out by notes of spice and herbs. It has a full body with a silky texture that lingers on your palate, making it an ideal accompaniment for food pairings such as grilled salmon or roasted vegetables.
Next up is Backsberg 2021 Sustainably Farmed Rosé Pinotage from the Coastal Region. This dry rosé offers up aromas and flavors of fresh cherries, white flowers, and strawberries that are balanced out by hints of earthiness. On the palate, it has a medium body with soft tannins that make it easy to enjoy with dishes like pork tenderloin or roasted chicken.
For those looking for something a bit more robust, we suggest trying Oak Mountain 2017 Pinotage from Temecula Valley. This bold red wine has aromas and flavors of dark berries, leather, tobacco, dried herbs, and oak that create an interesting complexity on the palate. The tannins are firm but not overpowering while the full body gives it a smooth finish that pairs well with grilled steak or lamb chops.
Finally, we have Kanonkop 2017 Black Label Estate Pinotage from Simonsberg-Stellenbosch. This award-winning premium red wine has intense aromas and flavors of black cherry, currants, spices, licorice, and dark chocolate aong with hints of cedar wood from its oak aging process. On the palate it has a full body with firm yet velvety tannins that make it perfect for pairing with dishes like wild game or slow cooked ribs.
We hope this list helps you find your new favorite bottle of South African Pinotage! So get ready to sit back and enjoy these delightful wines – cheers!
Finding the Best Pinotage Wine
Pinotage is a unique South African red wine created by crossbreeding Pinot Noir and Cinsaut grapes. It is known for its intense smoky, earthy flavors and aromas of ripe fruits, spices, and herbs. Pinotage wines are usually full-bodied with relatively high tannin levels, balanced acidity and a strong finish.
For a good Pinotage wine, look for labels from renowned South African wineries such as Kanonkop, Backsberg and Oak Mountain. Examples include the Kanonkop 2021 Kadette Dry Pinotage Rosé from the Coastal Region, Backsberg 2021 Sustainably Farmed Rosé Pinotage from the Coastal Region, or Oak Mountain 2017 Pinotage from Temecula Valley. These will all have intensely flavorful profiles with hints of plum, blackberries and pepper notes. For somethig even more special, look for the Beeslaar 2019 Pinotage from Stellenbosch which offers an additional layer of complexity with aromas of coffee beans and dark chocolate.
Source: the-buyer.net
Popular Producers of Pinotage Wine
Pinotage is an indigenous South African grape variety, created by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut grapes in 1925. It is the only grape variety to have been developed in South Africa, and is found almost exclusively there. It is the third most planted grape variety in South Africa after Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (Syrah), accounting for a full 8% of all vines planted.
The largest producers of Pinotage wines are some of South Africa's most well-known wineries, including Nederburg, KWV, Elsenburg Research Station, Flagstone Winery, Kanonkop Estate, Simonsig Estate Wines and Klein Constantia. Other notable producers include Bellingham Wines, Hartenberg Estate, Kaapzicht Winery and Neethlingshof Estate Wines.
Pinotage wines tend to be bold and fruity with dark berry flavors and smoky or spicy undertones. The best examples are well balanced with good acidity and tannins that provide structure without becoming too overwhelming. They pair particularly well with grilled or smoked meats like steak or pork ribs as well as dishes featuring mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
The Characteristics of Pinotage Wine
Pinotage is a red wine that is unique to South Africa. It was created in 1925 through a cross between Pinot noir and Cinsaut (known as Hermitage at that time). This full-bodied, fruity wine has aromas of blackberry, plum and spice, with sweet smoky notes on the palate. It can offer flavors of bramble, leather and tobacco. Aged Pinotage wines are known for their complexity and structure, with hints of dried fruit, figs and even chocolate. It pairs well with traditional South African dishes such as braaivleis (barbecue meat) and potjiekos (stews).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pinotage is a unique and versatile grape variety that produces a range of wines with their own distinct characteristics. From light, fresh rosé wines to full-bodied reds, there are penty of options available from South African producers. Whether you're looking for a unique bottle to impress your friends or simply want to explore the flavors of this signature variety, there are plenty of brands to choose from. Kanonkop, Melrose, Backsberg and Oak Mountain are just a few examples of Pinotage-producing wineries that offer quality wines at reasonable prices. With so many great options out there, it's easy to find the perfect Pinotage for any occasion.
