South Africa’s Homegrown Wine Gem

When we think of iconic wines, certain varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay may come to mind. But for wine lovers seeking something uniquely South African, Pinotage is the grape that reigns supreme. Whether you're a novice sipping your way through new varietals or a seasoned sommelier looking to refine your understanding, this dark horse of the wine world deserves a spotlight.

Abraham Izak Perold

A Tale of Innovation: How Pinotage Was Created

Pinotage is one of those rare wines with an origin story steeped in experimentation. It was born in 1925 thanks to the ingenuity of Abraham Izak Perold, a professor at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Perold wanted to combine the best traits of two grapes: the elegance of Pinot Noir and the hardiness of Cinsaut (called "Hermitage" in South Africa at the time). The idea was to create a grape that would thrive in South Africa’s hot climate while retaining the finesse and complexity of a high-end wine.

Perold crossbred these two grapes and initially planted just four seedlings. The vines were nearly lost to history when his house was being cleared out, but a colleague salvaged them. By the 1940s, Pinotage was being cultivated and produced into wine. Despite some mixed reviews over the decades, Pinotage now has a loyal following and has become a symbol of South African wine innovation.

The Taste: A Flavour Like No Other

Pinotage can be divisive, especially for first-time drinkers. Some love it; others may find its boldness a bit overpowering. But here’s what makes it intriguing: Pinotage is a wine of duality. On one hand, it can show off bold, dark fruit flavours like plum, blackberry, and black cherry. On the other, it often brings an earthy, smoky character, sometimes with hints of tobacco, leather, or even a slightly “rubbery” note.

If that sounds complex—it is! When well-made, Pinotage can have a rich, smooth texture with a surprising blend of sweetness and spice. Some versions even deliver a coffee or chocolate undertone, which has led to a trend of making "coffee-style" Pinotage in recent years. Imagine a glass of wine that can take you from the berry patch to a cozy café—now that's a journey worth taking!

The Perfect Pairings: What to Eat with Pinotage

Pinotage is versatile, which makes it a dream to pair with food. Its rich flavours can stand up to robust dishes, and its earthy notes play well with a variety of cuisines. Here are a few food pairings that will make your Pinotage experience even more enjoyable:

  1. Barbecue and Grilled Meats: The smoky, charred flavours of BBQ (whether it's beef, pork, or lamb) harmonise beautifully with the smoky undertones in Pinotage.
  2. Game Meat: South Africa is known for game like kudu or ostrich, which pairs excellently with Pinotage's boldness. But even venison or duck from other parts of the world will bring out the wine’s earthy, fruity characteristics.
  3. Spicy Food: Pinotage can handle a bit of heat, making it a great match for spicy sausages, peppercorn steaks, or even dishes with a touch of chilli.
  4. Cheese: Pair with aged cheddar or gouda to complement the wine's rich, savoury side, or opt for something creamier to balance its tannins.

If you really want to channel South Africa, serve it alongside a traditional braai (South African barbecue) with boerewors (a local sausage), sosaties (marinated skewers), and chakalaka (a spicy vegetable relish).

Fun Stories from the Vineyards: Pinotage in Action

Pinotage has a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it reputation, but the best way to understand it is to dive into the stories of its makers. For instance, some wineries lean into Pinotage’s funkier side, crafting wines that are unapologetically bold and brash, while others aim for a more refined, international style.

One iconic story comes from Beyers Truter, one of South Africa’s most well-known winemakers and the so-called “King of Pinotage.” In 1991, he stunned the world by winning the International Wine and Spirit Competition Winemaker of the Year award for his Pinotage, putting South African wine on the global map. Beyers is known for his passionate defence of Pinotage and once famously said, “If you don’t like it, try it again with biltong (South African dried, cured meat). You’ll change your mind.”

Another unique twist on Pinotage comes from the Diemersfontein Estate, where winemakers decided to embrace the coffee-chocolate notes in the grape and create a “coffee Pinotage,” a rich, mocha-forward wine that’s become a cult favourite.

For the Wine Adventurers

So, whether you're a novice ready to embark on your Pinotage journey or a seasoned professional seeking something to challenge your palate, Pinotage is a wine that offers adventure in every glass. Its story of innovation, its bold flavours, and its South African roots make it a fascinating wine to explore. Just remember: it might take more than one sip to fully appreciate the complexity Pinotage brings, but that’s half the fun.

Next time you uncork a bottle, maybe picture the sun-drenched vineyards of Stellenbosch or the rolling hills of Paarl. Who knows, you might even feel inspired to book a trip to South Africa’s wine country to enjoy a glass of Pinotage right at the source. Cheers! 🍷