The History of South African Pinotage Wine
The story of Pinotage, the “signature grape of South Africa”, begins with two prominent grape varietals: Pinot Noir and Hermitage (also called Cinsaut). These two were combined to incapsulate the elegance of Pinot Noir with the hardiness of Hermitage. The experimental vineyards that pioneered this interaction in Stellenbosch in 1925 received little acknowledgement and Pinotage only started to be made into wine in the 1950s. The varietal was met with a mixed response until the official Pinotage Association was created in 1995.
From then on, vineyard care was improved, wines were refined with more consistent flavour and the grape began to earn international recognition. Once Pinotage had stretched its reputation beyond South Africa, it quickly captivated the world with its ripe red berries, slight oakiness and hint of spice.
But is Pinotage a good wine?
Pinotage has become closely associated with South African winemaking and is known for its distinctive flavour profile and characteristics, complex aromas and a bold nose. If that sounds like the type of wine you enjoy, prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of velvety textures, subtle smoke and an earthiness that comes directly from the South African landscape. Award-winning Pinotage wines stands as a testament to its exceptional quality.
At Van Loveren, we dedicate ourselves to creating wines that are accessible to anyone who enjoys good quality wine. A bottle of Van Loveren Pinotage can be enjoyed on special occasions or as an everyday treat with dinner, making it accessible to all. Additionally, our Pinotage is an excellent choice for food and wine pairings, enhancing the flavours of hearty meat dishes, barbeques, spare ribs, and curries.