The Story of Pinotage: South Africa’s Signature Grape by Jonas Sandström

The Origins of Pinotage

The journey of Pinotage began at Stellenbosch University, where Professor Perold sought to combine the delicate flavors of Pinot Noir with the resilience and high yield of Cinsault. His goal was to create a grape that would produce wines with the elegance of Pinot Noir while withstanding South Africa’s challenging growing conditions. In 1925, Perold successfully crossed the two grape varietals, creating four seeds of what would later be known as Pinotage.

The young vines were almost lost when Perold left the university, but fortunately, they were saved by a fellow researcher, Charlie Niehaus, who recognized the potential in the unique grape variety. It took several decades for Pinotage to make its mark on the wine industry, with the first commercial bottling appearing in 1959. In 1961, a Pinotage from Bellevue Wine Estate won a major award at the Cape Wine Show, propelling the varietal into the spotlight.

Pinotage Today: A Global Icon

Today, Pinotage is celebrated for its bold flavors, often characterized by notes of dark fruit, smoke, earth, and hints of chocolate or coffee. Its unique character has won over wine enthusiasts worldwide, and it continues to be a point of pride for South African winemakers. The grape is incredibly versatile, used in producing everything from robust red wines to easy-drinking rosés, and even sparkling wines.

Regions such as Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Paarl have become iconic areas for Pinotage, with winemakers experimenting with different styles, blending techniques, and aging methods to bring out its best characteristics. The result is a varietal that can range from rich and powerful to smooth and approachable, making it a favorite among both casual wine drinkers and serious collectors.

Why Pinotage is Unique to South Africa

More than just a grape, Pinotage represents South Africa’s resilience and innovative spirit. Winemakers across the country are committed to showcasing Pinotage as a symbol of their heritage, developing it into a world-class varietal that stands alongside some of the most revered wines globally. For many wine lovers, tasting Pinotage is an invitation to experience the heart and history of South African wine culture—a story of experimentation, passion, and success against the odds.

Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with South Africa’s bold cuisine, Pinotage is more than just a wine; it’s a taste of South Africa’s land, people, and legacy in every glass.