Pinotage – South Africa's Own Grape Creation

Pinotage is South Africa's own grape creation: bred in 1925 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold at the University of Stellenbosch from Pinot Noir and Cinsault, it remains the only grape variety in the world that originated exclusively in South Africa.

From bold, tannin-rich classics to modern Coffee Pinotage styles with roasted aromas: buy wine made from this one-of-a-kind grape online with us.

Discover more about Pinotage

Origin and Development

Pinotage was created in 1925, when Professor Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch, crossed Pinot Noir with Cinsault – the latter variety was known in South Africa at the time under the name "Hermitage." The name is also derived from this cross: Pino(t) + (Hermi)tage = Pinotage.[1]

Pinotage in South Africa Today

The first Pinotage wine was made in 1941 at Elsenburg Agricultural College. In 1959, a Bellevue Pinotage won the Cape Wine Show championship, and in 1961 Lanzerac released the first bottle officially labelled "Pinotage." Today, around 6,979 hectares, or 7.4% of South Africa's entire vineyard area, are planted with Pinotage – up from 6.5% in 2007. Key growing regions include Stellenbosch, Paarl and the West Coast.[2]

Aromas and Character

Pinotage wines typically show a medium to full body with a balanced ratio of fruit and tannin. Typical aromas include black cherry, plum and a distinctive berry character, complemented by subtle notes of coffee, chocolate and spice.[3]

From Classic Style to Coffee Pinotage

Alongside the classic, tannin-driven styles, so-called "Coffee Pinotage" has become one of the fastest-growing trends in recent years: through careful grape selection and heavily toasted oak barrels, wines emerge with pronounced coffee and mocha notes – without any actual coffee being added. At the table, Pinotage pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as lamb, grilled meat or spicy curries.[4]

Pioneering Pinotage Estates

Kanonkop is one of South Africa's most defining Pinotage addresses: founder Paul Sauer studied directly under Perold in 1919, and in 1973 the estate bottled wine under its own name for the first time under Jannie Krige. Under winemaker Beyers Truter, the 1989 vintage received the "Wine of the World" award at the 1991 International Wine and Spirits Competition in London – a milestone that brought Pinotage international recognition. Truter later founded his own estate, Beyerskloof, which remains dedicated to Pinotage to this day. A very different style is represented by Diemersfontein: with its famous Coffee Pinotage, matured in heavily toasted oak barrels, the estate played a major role in shaping the internationally popular, roast-aromatic Pinotage style.

Buy Pinotage from Us

Whether it's a bold classic from Kanonkop or Beyerskloof, a modern Coffee Pinotage from Diemersfontein, or another style altogether – our range covers the full breadth of South Africa's one truly native grape variety. Order online with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pinotage

Where does the Pinotage grape variety come from?

Pinotage was bred in 1925 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold at the University of Stellenbosch from Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and is the only grape variety that originated exclusively in South Africa.

Where does the name "Pinotage" come from?

The name combines Pino(t) and (Hermi)tage, the South African name for Cinsault at the time.

How much of South Africa's vineyard area is planted with Pinotage?

Around 7.4%, or roughly 6,979 hectares (as of 2017) – up from 6.5% in 2007.

What is "Coffee Pinotage"?

A modern winemaking style using heavily toasted oak barrels that gives the wine pronounced coffee and mocha notes – Diemersfontein is among the estates that helped make this trend internationally famous.

Which wine estates are especially known for their Pinotage?

Kanonkop and Beyerskloof for the classic style, Diemersfontein for its famous Coffee Pinotage.

What does Pinotage taste like?

Typical aromas include black cherry, plum and berry fruit, complemented by notes of coffee, chocolate and spice, with a medium to full body.