Pinotage
Pinotage is a cross between the Pinot Noir and the Cinsault grape. Created in 1925, it is said to be a symbol of South Africa’s winemaking heritage. Although Pinotage is primarily grown in South Africa, there are plantations throughout the winemaking world. Pinotage can be used to produce several different styles from: young, light and fruity like Beaujolais; deep and rich like Cotes du Rhone or Zinfandel; or elegant and restrained like Bordeaux. Pinotage vines are easy to grow, ripening early with high sugar levels. Old Pinotage vines are grown as bush vines which is thought to produce a more concentrated, deeper wine. Pinotage grapes usually bud early September, with ripening taking place any time between the end of January to early March. Usually Pinotage will produce small bunches of small berries, and a medium yield in cooler climate out of direct sunlight.