Pinotage Wine Guide
Discover Pinotage, South Africa's unique signature grape. Learn about this Pinot Noir cross, its smoky character, and the Cape Winelands' distinctive red wine.
Characteristics
- Medium to full-bodied with moderate tannins
- Distinctive smoky, earthy character
- Flavors of red fruit, banana, and coffee
- Modern styles emphasize fruit purity over smokiness
Key Regions
Food Pairings
- South African braai (barbecue)
- Grilled sausages
- Smoked meats
- Mature cheddar cheese
Serving Temperature
60-65°F (16-18°C)
South Africa’s Original Grape
Pinotage is a uniquely South African grape variety, created in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault (then called Hermitage in South Africa). This crossing aimed to combine Pinot Noir’s elegance with Cinsault’s heat tolerance, creating a variety perfectly suited to the Cape.
Tasting Pinotage
Classic Flavors
- Fruit: Red plum, raspberry, mulberry, banana (in some styles)
- Secondary: Smoke, coffee, tar, dark chocolate
- With age: Leather, earth, dried fruit
On the Palate
Medium to full-bodied with moderate tannins and good acidity. The best examples balance fruit purity with the grape’s characteristic smoky, savory notes.
Styles of Pinotage
Traditional Style
- Smoky, earthy, rustic character
- Pronounced coffee and tar notes
- Often divisive but distinctively South African
Modern Style
- Emphasis on fruit purity
- Reduced smoke and volatile compounds
- More internationally appealing, elegant
Cape Blends
Pinotage combined with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz creates distinctly South African blends that showcase the grape’s versatility.
The Cape Winelands
Stellenbosch
The heart of quality Pinotage production, with mountain slopes and diverse soils producing concentrated, age-worthy wines.
Swartland
Old bush vines in this warm region create powerful, intense expressions.
Paarl
Warm valley producing ripe, generous Pinotage wines.
Food Pairings
Pinotage’s smoky character makes it ideal with:
- South African braai (barbecue)
- Grilled sausages
- Smoked meats
- Mature cheddar cheese
Growing Recognition
Once overlooked internationally, quality-focused producers have elevated Pinotage’s reputation. The Cape Winemakers Guild and Pinotage Association champion the variety’s potential.
Learn More with Sommo
Use the Sommo app to explore Pinotage from different Cape regions, discover top producers, and experience South Africa’s unique contribution to the wine world.
Photo by Sebastian Nowozin on Unsplash
