Pinotage is a red wine grape variety developed in South Africa in 1920 by Professor Perold through the crossbreeding of Pinot Noir and Cinsault. The goal of creating the variety was to combine the classic taste of Pinot Noir with the technological ease of cultivation of Cinsault. The Pinotage grape is characterized by early ripening, small oval berries of dark blue color with a thick waxy bloom, as well as dense conical clusters. The leaves of the plant are medium-sized, round, and five-lobed with deep incisions. The variety has medium resistance to oidium, but is more susceptible to gray rot and is not frost-resistant. The yield of Pinotage is quite high, which makes it popular among viticulturists. Various red wines are produced from Pinotage grapes — from simple table wines to rich, full-bodied, and concentrated drinks. Wines of this variety are characterized by a high level of alcohol, tannins, and sugar, which gives them a rich taste and makes them an excellent choice for pairing with barbecue and grilled meat. The aroma of the wine is complex and multifaceted: you can detect floral and earthy notes, as well as shades of dark and red fruits, such as black plum, cherry, and raspberry. The bouquet is complemented by characteristic scents of oak, red pepper, tobacco, and licorice. Pinotage goes well with a variety of dishes, including game, flavorful beef dishes, sausages, and chocolate desserts. Despite the fact that for a long time the variety had an ambiguous reputation, modern South African producers are striving to change the perception of Pinotage by creating high-quality wines with rich and expressive taste. Due to its unique characteristics and versatility, Pinotage holds an important place among red wine grape varieties and is popular both in South Africa and in other countries of the world.
