Pinotage

Pinotage is a red grape variety from South Africa and one of the country's most distinctive wine grapes. It was created from a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, which was formerly known in South Africa as Hermitage.

Typical Pinotage wines show dark berries, plum, cherry, spice, smoke, earth and, depending on ageing, coffee, cocoa or chocolate notes. The wines can be fruity and approachable, but also powerful, structured and age-worthy.

What does Pinotage taste like?

Pinotage often tastes of dark berries, black cherry, plum, blackberry, smoke, spice and earthy notes. Depending on origin and ageing, coffee, cocoa, chocolate or gentle roasted aromas may also appear.

The body is often medium to full, with noticeable tannin and ripe fruit. Modern Pinotage styles range from juicy and easy-drinking to concentrated red wines with depth, spice and clear oak influence.

Where does Pinotage come from?

Pinotage comes from South Africa. The variety was crossed by Professor Abraham Izak Perold at Stellenbosch University from Pinot Noir and Cinsaut; Cinsaut was formerly known there as Hermitage.

Today Pinotage is strongly associated with South Africa and is internationally recognised as one of the country's most distinctive red grape varieties. It is grown mainly in the Cape, with smaller plantings in other wine-producing countries.

Which styles of Pinotage are there?

Pinotage can produce many different wine styles. Lighter versions are fruit-driven, juicy and often ready to drink early, while fuller wines show dark fruit, spice, smoke, tannin and ageing notes.

Besides dry red wines, Pinotage is also used for rosé, sparkling wine and blends. High-quality Pinotage combines South African identity, ripe fruit, structure and a distinctive savoury depth.


What food pairs with Pinotage?

Pinotage pairs especially well with grilled meat, barbecue, venison, ribs, oxtail, osso buco, spicy stews and South African dishes such as bobotie.

Medium-bodied styles can also work with bean soup, ratatouille, curry, robust fish, sushi or sashimi. Oak-aged Pinotage with cocoa or chocolate notes may even pair with dark chocolate.

Buy Pinotage wine online

Pinotage is ideal for wine lovers looking for characterful reds with dark fruit, spice and a strong South African identity. The grape offers both approachable everyday wines and powerful, complex reds with ageing potential.

Browse our Pinotage wines for bottles that combine fruit, structure, smoke and spice in an exciting way.




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