Pinotage grape wasn’t commercial planted until 1943. It is a genetic crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, first bred by the scientist Abraham Perold in 1925. After his experiment, he then planted the few remaining seeds in his garden, shortly thereafter, they were forgotten. A few years later, the vines were found by another researcher who grafted the strain onto disease resistant rootstocks. Order now! Buy this remarkable wine from our online shop, our delivery is very fast, our price is reasonable and your sale is always a guaranteed purchase.
This variety is hardy and highly productive but sensitive to disease and can be picky in both terroir and vinification. Its best wine examples spring from bush vines (a common vine training from southern France, the birthplace of Cinsaut) and sunny regions, but not excessively hot. At the latter end of its growing season, if exposed to too much heat, the grapes exhibit undesirably acetone aromatics and develops flavor notes of burnt rubber. In fermentation, care must be taken to keep the wine from becoming too high in alcohol. Otherwise the wine with be hot, and this strengthens the acetone-esque flavors throughout.
Pinotage has had little success outside of South Africa. It can be found in small, experimental quantities in California, Israel, and New Zealand.