Pinotage

By the 1990s, certain producers were taking such pains, showing that the ester-like nature of the vine - in large part the cause of its divisiveness and the reason for some complaining that it smelt of paint - could be greatly minimised. Today it continues to be widely grown in South Africa and is increasing in popularity. It is often blended; in fact, Cape blends must comprise between 30% and 60% Pinotage.

Key Regions

South Africa.

Colour and Flavours

The deeply coloured wines produced by this variety are rich, full-bodied and somewhat aromatic; they display earthy, wild fruit flavours such as brambles, sweet red berries and plums - a legacy of the vine's Pinot Noir parentage - and are reminiscent of summer pudding. Generally, Pinotage wines should be drunk young.

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