THE PINOTAGE JOURNEY

Posted by Wilandre Johnson on 30 August 2021 9:35 AM CAT

Pinotage is one of the wine world’s few “designer grapes” and is probably South Africa’s most treasured wine because it was invented in our country in 1925 by Dr. Abraham Perold. Perold attempted to combine the best qualities of the robust Hermitage with Pinot noir, a grape that makes great wine but can be difficult to grow. Known as the father of Pinotage, he was born and buried in Paarl!

Fairview Wine and Cheese

Pinotage is an important part of the Fairview range of wines, with vineyards planted on various soil types in various regions. A world first from Fairview was their Pinotage/ Viognier. The two varietals are co-fermented, in much the same way that Shiraz is treated in the south of France. This softens the Pinotage and elevates the fruit, while adding a subtle fragrance to this approachable and generous wine.

KWV

One of the leading wine and spirits producers in South Africa with a distinguished heritage of product innovation and exceptional brands, a trip to the KWV Emporium will transfer you to “pinotage heaven”. With approximately seven pinotages to select from and taste, visitors are taken on a Journey of Pinotage.

Mellasat Vineyards

Mellasat Vineyards is home to the first commercially available white wine in the world to be made from 100% Pinotage grapes. The paradox of this wine is that the eye belies the other senses! Whole bunch pressing prevents the juice from obtaining colour from the skins. It is barrel fermented and matured for eleven months with lees stirring giving the wine a slightly creamy, nutty character to balance the tropical fruit and banana flavours.”

Olsen Private Vineyards

Family owned and run, this picturesque farm is owned by Dr Greg Olsen – an American entrepreneur, engineer and scientist who, in October 2005, became the third private citizen to make a self-funded trip to the International Space Station. Indulge in their handcrafted, artisanal style, medium bodied pinotage, the “Orbit”.

Painted Wolf Wines

Painted Wolf Wines’ owners Jeremy and Emma Borg’s ambition is to use their skills to make a meaningful contribution to conservation. They focus on Africa’s rarest and most endangered large carnivore, the African Wild Dog. A donation from each bottle of Painted Wolf Wines sold goes towards this initiative. Taste award-winning Pinotage made by Jeremy, who is the winemaker, at their ‘den’ (tasting room) located at the Simondium Guild just outside Paarl.

Windmeul Kelder

With vineyards stretching from the pretty valleys of the Swartland and Wellington to Agter-Paarl and Perdeberg, even towards Durbanville, Windmeul has good quality grapes from several climates to create beautiful wines through the art of masterful blending. Pinotage has secured several accolades and nominations for this cellar.