South African Pinotage Blends

The Pinotage range of South African wines has not always been favoured among local and international critics. However, it is gaining increasing acclaim as its flavours are refined and appreciated for their unique appeal. Up to a fairly recent time, when Pinotage was used in blends, many of the sceptics claimed that it was to mask the otherwise unpleasant taste and bouquet of the South African wine. A major turning point in the attitudes of local winemakers was the need for South Africa and the Cape to have a unique offering in the global market. A Pinotage blend seemed the perfect choice as it was, not only unique to the region, but also the 'underdog', having something to prove in an unforgiving marketplace.

Recent wine-tasting have shown that Pinotage blends are identified with the Cape already, establishing a sense of ownership for this region in South Africa as well as the link to Pinotage. This recognition lays the foundation for the Cape's future success in a global market, using this particular type of grape.

Pinotage is the most planted local grape in South Africa, making it accessible and relatively cost-effective for local wine farmers. Optimal water- and temperature conditions bring out a distinctly Pinot quality to the wine, and this is recognized as implying a high standard.

This grape is easy and quick to grow, although there was a considerable amount of tweaking and learning that had to occur before it was mastered. Pinotage remains unpredictable, though. For this reason, it is sometimes advisable that it be used in a blend, where flavours are not reliant solely on one grape, but a blend of two or more. Modern winemakers sometimes opt to capture the fruity tones of the Pinotage without the tannins, which negotiates slightly on the rich intensity of the wine, but usually makes it appealing to a wider base of palates. Pinotage is usually blended with a Bordeaux grape to create a tasty, easy-to-drink red wine with body and depth. Using these two wines in a blend has proved most successful and has, to a large extent, created the benchmark by which the Cape continues to measure future Pinotage blends in South Africa.

Some South African Pinotage blends that are recommended include:

Steylter Vision 2001: - (Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage blend) - a masculine blend with chocolate, tobacco and spice aromas. The Pinotage is clearly distinguishable amidst the Cabernet flavours.

Vriesenhof "Enthopio" 2000 (70% Pinotage with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Shiraz) - an easier drinking blend to be enjoyed by the greater population.

Stellenzicht Rhapsody 2004: - (Pinotage and Shiraz blend) - easy on the tongue, with lovely berry undertones.

South African Pinotage Blends by Fiona C Phillips
Fiona Phillips has an M.B.A. from the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business and completed several Cape Wine Academy courses, culminating in Diploma II. Her passion for wine and her fascination for the limitless possibilities of the Internet motivated the start-up http://www.cybercellar.com 

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