100 Years of Pinotage: From Experiment to Wine Icon

Pinotage: The Birth of a Wine Icon

The origin of Pinotage can be traced back to 1924, when Professor Abraham Izak Perold, a remarkable viticulturist at Stellenbosch University, sought to create a grape that combined the finesse of Pinot Noir with the strength of Cinsaut. On November 17, 1924, this groundbreaking experiment resulted in the first seedlings being planted in 1925, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for the world of wine.

Upon leaving KWV in Paarl in 1928, Perold abandoned the seedlings. Thanks to Dr. Charlie Niehaus, a vigilant researcher, the plants were saved during a cleanup effort. Niehaus replanted them in Stellenbosch, ensuring the survival of this extraordinary grape variety.

However, the road to success was not easy. It wasn't until 1935 that the full potential of the grape was realized through suitable grafting. The breakthrough came in 1941, when CT de Waal produced the first Pinotage wine.

By the 1940s, Pinotage began to establish its name. The first commercial plantings emerged in 1943, with Gerrit Nieuwoudt discovering the variety in 1949 after tasting a Pinotage and became a passionate advocate.

Key Wineries in Pinotage Production

The 1950s saw the rise of Pinotage, with wineries like Uiterwyk, Bellevue, and Kanonkop planting the grape and laying the groundwork for future success. Victories in the General Smuts Trophy by Bellevue and Kanonkop showcased this success in 1959 and 1961, elevating the status of Pinotage within the wine industry.

In 1964, Pinotage gained international prominence with the release of the first vintage from the New Zealand winery Corbans. Despite skepticism from some critics who believed this grape had no future, Pinotage proved its resilience.

By the late 1970s, Pinotage made its way to California, where many South African wineries began producing Pinotage wines.

The 1980s and 90s became the golden age for Pinotage. Beyers Truter from Kanonkop became a significant advocate, ultimately winning the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award in 1987.

The Rise of Pinotage

As the esteem for Pinotage grew, so did its worldwide adoption. The 1990s saw the grape expanding to Virginia and Canada. The establishment of the Pinotage Association in 1995 further propelled the trend, while the first Pinotage Top 10 Competition took place in 1997.

In the new millennium, Pinotage ventured into new regions, with the first Pinotage producing in Israel by 2001.

By 2020, Pinotage achieved another milestone with the Grand Pinotage Classification, marking its place among the finest wines. As we approach a century of celebrating Pinotage, we not only honor its impressive history but also look to the promising future of this exceptional grape.