/ PEE-noh-tahj /
South Africa's own grape — dark fruit with smoky, coffee-like notes.
Pinotage was created in 1925 by Professor Abraham Perold, who crossed Pinot Noir with Cinsault (then called ‘Hermitage’ in South Africa — hence the name). It makes deeply coloured, full-bodied reds with dark fruit and smoky, earthy notes. Modern ‘coffee Pinotage’ styles lean into mocha flavours from toasted oak.
Serve at
16–18°C
Glass
Red wine glass
Decanting
About 30 minutes
Climate
Warm
How Pinotage typically feels in the mouth.
What to look for in the glass.
Fruit
Smoky
Earthy
The regions to know on a wine list.
Its heartland
Old bush vines, fresher styles
Ripe and generous
Classic matches that work every time.
Say it at the table
“South Africa's own grape — dark fruit with smoky, coffee-like notes. Brilliant with anything from the barbecue.”
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