After a long history of being dismissed as cheap and not so great, South African Pinotage is making a comeback. The grape variety, a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir, has been reborn in the capable hands of modern winemakers. In this article, we’ll delve into a recent tasting experience of a Pinotage from Walker Bay, South Africa – a sub-region known for its balanced and aromatic wines.
The Wine Tasting Challenge posed a question: can we change our perception of Pinotage? After all, it has earned the nickname “the Grinch” in the world of wine. But like The Grinch, Pinotage is learning to love – starting with a bottle from Walker Bay.
Medium Ruby in color, the wine offered an intriguing bouquet of black cherry, menthol, olives, dark chocolate, and a unique umami note that hinted at something truly special. On the palate, it was smoky yet flexible, with tannins that didn’t dry out harshly. Flavors of cherry cola and dark plum danced on the tongue, making for an enjoyable sip.
Pairing this wine with a roasted duck in plum sauce or game would be a match made in heaven. The combination of flavors would create a symphony of taste that’s hard to forget. And let’s not forget the meaty, umami notes – they make Pinotage an ideal companion for heavy, smoked meats.
While it didn’t quite achieve that balance in terms of finesse, its ease of cultivation made it a popular choice in South Africa.
Pinotage was created with the intention of marrying the best qualities of both Pinot Noir and Cinsault. While it didn’t quite achieve that balance in terms of finesse, its ease of cultivation made it a popular choice in South Africa. This popularity, however, led to mass production and a reputation for being cheap and unremarkable.
But the tide is turning. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in quality Pinotage, with producers focusing on expressing the grape’s unique smoky and fruity characteristics. The wine from Walker Bay delivered on this promise, offering a flavor profile that was both unexpected and delightful.
South Africa is home to the Stellenbosch District, a region known for its rich history and exceptional wines. To learn more about this area and the amazing wines it produces, check out our dive into the Stellenbosch District. And who knows? You might just find yourself falling in love with Pinotage too.
A bottle from Walker Bay showcases the grape’s unique smoky and fruity characteristics, making it an excellent companion for heavy, smoked meats.
1. South African Pinotage is making a comeback after years of being dismissed as cheap and unremarkable. 2. A bottle from Walker Bay showcases the grape’s unique smoky and fruity characteristics, making it an excellent companion for heavy, smoked meats. 3. The Stellenbosch District in South Africa is a region known for its rich history and exceptional wines – including Pinotage.
CLOSE: What are your thoughts on South African Pinotage? Have you tried any recently that has changed your perception of this often-maligned grape variety? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
Questions & Answers
What is Pinotage, the wine tasted in the article?
Pinotage is a distinctive South African red wine variety, created by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes in 1925.
Where does Pinotage originate from?
Pinotage originates from South Africa, specifically from the Stellenbosch region, where it was first developed in 1925.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
