Question 1

What is Pinotage?

Accepted Answer

Pinotage is a red wine grape variety that is primarily associated with South African wine production. It is a unique and distinctive grape variety, developed in South Africa in 1925 by crossing the Pinot Noir and Cinsault (known locally as Hermitage) grape varieties. The goal was to create a grape that combined the elegance of Pinot Noir with the hardiness of Cinsault.

Pinotage wines are known for their bold flavours, with characteristics that can include dark fruit flavours such as blackberry and plum, as well as earthy, smoky, and spicy notes. The wines are often medium to full-bodied, and they can have a complex profile depending on factors such as winemaking techniques and aging processes.

While Pinotage has gained popularity in South Africa and is considered one of the country's signature grape varieties, it is not as widely planted or known internationally as some other red wine varieties. Some wine enthusiasts appreciate Pinotage for its unique characteristics, while others may find its flavours to be an acquired taste.

Question 2

What does a Pinotage taste like?

Accepted Answer

Pinotage is a dry, medium to full-bodied wine. Younger vines can showcase lovely hints of red berry while older vines produce Pinotage that’s incredibly rich and spicy in flavour, resulting in complex flavours of liquorice, tobacco, leather and smoke. Pinotage generally has medium tannins with acidity typically on the lower side.

Notoriously tricky to produce, Pinotage can very easily go wrong. When it’s bad, you’ll find the aromas to be sharp and pungent – this is because it has high levels of Volatile Acidity which is caused by a high proportion of acetic acid. Pinotage can also have burnt tar flavours resulting from over-extraction.

Question 3

Is Pinotage the same as Pinot Noir?

Accepted Answer

No, Pinotage is not quite the same as Pinot Noir. Pinotage may have started life as the Pinot Noir grape but it got crossed with the French grape variety Cinsault to enable it to better survive the hot South African sun.

Young Pinot Noirs have strong fruit and floral flavours, including:

Cherry
Strawberry
Raspberry
Redcurrant
Violet
Hibiscus

But as Pinot Noir ages, it begins to develop deep, savoury flavours like:

Mushroom
Game
Forest floor
Clove

Question 4

Is Pinotage the same as Shiraz?

Accepted Answer

Pinotage and Shiraz often find themselves being compared due to their similarly complex flavour profiles – but there are distinct differences between them. Shiraz possesses bold and spicy flavours, typically with notes of dark fruit, black pepper and a hint of oak or vanilla. Pinotage on the other hand has a more earthy and smoky flavour profile, often with notes of blackberry, plum and tobacco.

Another notable difference is their body. Pinotage can range from light to full body depending on the fermentation process and aging, while Shiraz is typically a heavier and fuller-bodied wine.

Question 5

What is the difference between Pinotage and Merlot?

Accepted Answer

Pinotage and Merlot are two distinct grape varieties with different flavour profiles, tannin levels, and aging potential. While Pinotage is known for its bold and intense flavours, Merlot is known for its smooth, velvety flavours of red fruits such as plum and raspberry. Merlot is generally less intense and more approachable than Pinotage. Pinotage wines tend to have higher tannins and acidity, which can make them more structured and age-worthy but sharper when they’re young. Merlot wines are often lower in tannins and have a milder acidity, making them smoother and more immediately drinkable. Merlot is often described as a good "introductory" red wine for those new to red wines.

Question 6

Should Pinotage wine be chilled?

Accepted Answer

Pinotage should be served at a temperature higher than the refrigerator temperature but at the same time not at the room temperature. The ideal temperature for serving Pinotage is 17-18°C .

Question 7

What foods go well with Pinotage wine?

Accepted Answer

The unique flavour profile of Pinotage often includes notes of red berries, plums, and sometimes smoky or earthy undertones. When pairing food with Pinotage, you'll want to consider dishes that complement or enhance these characteristics. Here are some general guidelines:

Grilled meats: Pinotage pairs well with grilled meats, especially those that have a slightly smoky flavour. Consider dishes like grilled lamb chops, smoked sausages, or barbecue chicken.
Game meat: The earthy and robust qualities of Pinotage make it a good match for game meats like venison, bison, or duck. The wine's intensity can stand up to the bold flavours of these meats.
Spicy foods: Pinotage's fruitiness and subtle spiciness make it a good companion for mildly spicy dishes. Try it with dishes featuring spices like cumin, coriander, or paprika.
Mushroom-based dishes: The earthy and sometimes smoky notes in Pinotage can complement mushroom-based dishes, such as a mushroom risotto or grilled portobello mushrooms.
Hard cheeses: Consider pairing Pinotage with hard cheeses like aged gouda, cheddar, or even a Parmesan. The wine's acidity can cut through the richness of these cheeses. · Charcuterie: A charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and hard cheeses can be an excellent match for Pinotage. The variety of flavours and textures can complement the wine's complexity.
Salmon or tuna: Pinotage's versatility allows it to pair well with certain fish dishes. Try it with grilled or smoked salmon or seared tuna, as long as the preparation is not overly spicy or heavy.

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