There are a few grape varieties that are more or less unique to a country or that has for some reason become emblematic. Chile has its Carmenere, Argentina has Malbec, and Uruguay has Tannat. Portugal has masses of unique grapes that exist (almost) nowhere else, as does Italy, and Greece and many other countries.
South Africa has one grape that is both emblematic and unique: Pinotage.
Sometimes it is dismissed as a grape that does not make quality wines, but that is a mistake. In the hands of a skilful winemaker it can make excellent wines with a unique character.
International Pinotage Day is approaching – October 10, 2015 – so now is a good time to give an introduction to the grape with some drinking recommendations.
In Per’s latest article on Forbes, Drink Pinotage On International Pinotage Day, you can read more on Pinotage.
Here’s the introduction:
October 10, 2015, is the International Pinotage Day, so if you have not tasted this wine grape variety before this is a good time to do it. If you are already familiar with Pinotage, then why not just take the opportunity and celebrate a bit extra with a few glasses of Pinotage? It is an unusual vine variety from South Africa.
Pinotage is one of these varieties that are almost only grown in one single country. In the case of Pinotage the only country where you will find it is in South Africa. It is also unusual in that it is a very recent grape variety. It is not an ancient domestic variety. In fact, Pinotage was created by Abraham Izak Perold in 1925.
Read Per’s full article on Forbes: Drink Pinotage On International Pinotage Day.
[box type=”info” style=”rounded” border=”full”]But the best way to appreciate Pinotage is of course to explore the wines on site in South Africa. Join Britt and Per at BKWine on a fabulous wine tour to South Africa with delicious wine and food in March.
Travel to the world’s wine regions with the experts on wine and the specialist on wine tours.
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