Pinotage

The darling of South Africa, red Pinotage is the offspring of a twentieth-century crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault (called Hermitage in SA). It is often quite strong flavoured with a noticeable hint of tar and black fruit which can become smoky and ‘bonfire-ish’. In recent years the vine clones used, and later picking have improved the finesse of Pinotage dramatically, and there are many excellent wines which remind you of a full-throttle Syrah from the Northern Rhône.