Part of the wine experience is exploring wines from all over the world, learning about their heritage, and comparing / appreciating their flavors. Today we celebrate South African wine! Did you know that South Africa ranks number 8 in the top wine-producing countries list of 2020?
To understand Pinotage we have to understand Pinot Noir and Cinsault wine. After all the name Pinotage is a marriage between these two. According to a 2016 Chicago Tribune article written by Michael Austin, For your next bottle of wine, try a pinotage, South Africans referred to cinsault as “Hermitage” back in 1925 when this blend was created, and that’s why we call this hybrid wine crossing “Pinotage”.
The man behind this creation, Abraham Perold was a South African chemist and viticulturist who was also the first Professor of Viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch. He took the smooth Pinot Noir flavor and crossed it with the sturdy cinsault so the grape would be easy to grow in the South African weather. The result? A bold wine full of berry flavors, earthy, and oaky notes like tobacco and smoke.
According to Perald Wine Cellars, Pinotage plays an important role in the South African wine industry and is the second most planted variety of red grape. In the spirit of celebrating this rich and deep flavored South African Pinotage, I have researched the top 6 Pinotage wines to try before the end of 2020. So, take your pick and enjoy! Even better try pairing one with a gouda cheese board, or a nice beef tartare.
Barista Pinotage, 2019 – Western Cape
Bold, Dry
Oaky, earthy, black fruit
Simonsig Redhill Pinotage 2018 –Stellenbosch
Bold, Dry
Oaky, black fruit, earthy
Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2016 – Stellenbosch
Bold, Dry
Oaky, black fruit, earthy
Rijk’s Reserve Pinotage 2015 – Tulbagh
Bold, Dry
Oaky, black fruit, red fruit
Beeslaar Pinotage 2017 – Stellenbosch
Bold, Dry
Oaky, black fruit, red fruit
Ashbourne Pinotage 2016 – Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Bold, Dry
Black fruit, oaky, earthy
Stay safe and don’t forget to enjoy your favorite wines, Cheers!
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Author: Vinloq
