Pinotage

Pinotage is a distinctly South African grape which was bred there in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault (which used to be called Hermitage, hence the name). Despite being a cross of a Burgundy and Rhone grapes, the flavour profile of Pinotage is nothing like French wine and more like New World wines. A vigorous vine like it parent Cinsault, Pinotage is easy to grow, ripening early with good sugar levels. Grown mainly in South Africa, varietal Pintoage tends to give deep red wines with smoky bramble and earthy flavours and occasionally notes of tropical fruits as well as bananas. Apart from varietal wines, Pintoage is also blended as well as being made into a fortified wine.