Over the Barrel | Four Bottles of Pinotage

The Pinotage grape is South Africa’s signature variety. A red grape variety, it  was bred in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University, as a cross between Pinot Noir and  Hermitage (Cinsault), hence the  name. Perold was attempting to combine the best qualities of the robust Hermitage with Pinot Noir, a great wine-making grape but difficult to grow.

Perold planted the seeds from his cross in the garden of his official residence at Welgevallen Experimental Farm.

It typically produces deep red varietal wines with smoky, bramble and earthy flavours, sometimes with notes of bananas and tropical fruit. Perfect for the cold weather!

Here are some of my favourites:

Beyerskloof Pinotage 2011, Stellenbosch: Red berries and a lovely spiciness with just enough mocha to make this as always a great example of what Pinotage is all about! Open and enjoy with some proper VLEIS!

thesavanna.co.uk

Lammershoek Pinotage 2007, Swartland:  A rich red berry character on the nose. Hints of oak and warm spices. The wine is fresh and elegant with typical Pinotage tannin structure dominant on the finish. The wine is a more serious example of Pinotage and shows the ability to age well.

revolutionwines.co.uk

Kaapzicht Pinotage 2009, Stellenbosch: Layers of plums, black cherry and dark mocha tones, a trace of banana and forward oak aromatics adds to even more complexity. Very rich and luscious! Stand out wine from the Steytlers!

tanners.co.uk

*Kanonkop Pinotage 2010, Stellenbosch: Wonderful wine from our “Grand Cru” wine makers. Ripe red and blackberry on the nose with a lovely overtone of “piesang” brood and vanilla. Integrated tannins on the palate follow the medium to full body of a wine that can keep for another 5 years. Bring the rump steak and enjoy!

majestic.co.uk

Read more:

Over the barrel | Some of my favourite Chardonnays

Over the Barrel | Three of my favourite Chenin Blancs

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