Cape Blend Red Wine – South Africa's Own Blend Style with Pinotage

Pinotage Sets the Tempo: What Is a Cape Blend?

A Cape Blend is a red blend in which Pinotage plays the leading role [1]. Pinotage was created in 1924 or 1925 at Stellenbosch University from Pinot Noir and Cinsault [1]. It is South Africa's only indigenous grape variety [1]. According to Wine Anorak, in a blend Pinotage loses some of its idiosyncrasy [4]. In return it gives wines of an international style more personality [4].

From Three Cape Ladies to the Perold Trophy: The History

The style emerged around the year 2000, when South Africa returned to the world markets [1]. The Warwick Three Cape Ladies 2000 is regarded as the first wine of this style [1]. According to Wine with Seth, the Beyerskloof Synergy 2001 was the first to carry "Cape Blend" on its label [1]. In 2002 there was still no official designation [5]. Mike Ratcliffe of Warwick said at the time that the formula had so far been almost completely driven by winemakers [5].

The Pinotage Association adopted a sub-committee's proposal for a Cape Blend of Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 2009 [2]. After that, 30 to 70 percent Pinotage applied [2]. Since 2011 the association has awarded the Perold Absa Cape Blend trophy [2]. The first round had 37 entries [2], and in 2023 30 Cape Blends were entered [3].

Convention Rather than Law: The Rules

The Cape Blend is not regulated by law [1]. The Wine and Spirit Board sets neither grape varieties nor proportions [1]. By convention, 30 to 70 percent Pinotage applies [1]. For the Perold Absa competition, Pinotage must also have the highest share in the blend [3]. In 2009 the Pinotage Association additionally required at least twelve months in oak [2].

The rule was later relaxed. Any variety may take part, as long as Pinotage remains the main component at more than 30 percent [2]. According to Wine with Seth, some producers go below 30 percent and still call the wine a Cape Blend [1]. Wine Anorak even tasted an early blend with only 25 percent Pinotage [4].

Pinotage and Its Partners: The Grape Varieties

The most common partner is Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot and Shiraz [1]. Sometimes Cabernet Franc and Cinsault join them [1]. The winning blends of 2022 also included Malbec, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot and Roobernet [2].

Two examples show the range. The Bellevue Atticus 2021 consists of 43 percent Pinotage, 41 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 16 percent Petit Verdot [3]. In the Flagstone Dragon Tree 2020, 38 percent Pinotage stands next to 30 percent Shiraz [3].

Dark Cherry, Smoke and Cassis: Style and Aromas

Pinotage brings dark cherry, plum, smoke and earth, plus a savoury note of leather or bramble [1]. Cabernet Sauvignon supplies cassis and structure, Merlot adds weight on the palate, and Shiraz contributes white pepper and freshness [1]. With age, high-quality Cape Blends develop tobacco, dried fruit and leather [1].

Matured in Barrel: Ageing and Cellaring

Cape Blends usually mature for 12 to 24 months in French barriques [1]. Simple Cape Blends are drunk young. According to Wine with Seth, high-quality wines reward eight to 15 years of cellaring [1].

Where Cape Blends Are Made

Most Cape Blends come from Stellenbosch and Paarl [1]. There are also examples from the Swartland, from Walker Bay and from the rest of the Western Cape [1]. Kanonkop makes the Kadette Cape Blend in Stellenbosch [1]. Simonsig bottled an early Cape Blend with 60 percent Pinotage in the Frans Malan Reserve 1999 [4]. Warwick is regarded as a pioneer with the Three Cape Ladies [1]. Spier was among the winners of the Perold Absa Cape Blend in 2022 [2].

Cape Blend with Food

Cape Blends go well with braised short ribs, grilled lamb chops and Cape Malay lamb curry [1]. Smoked springbok or venison is also a good partner [1]. They suit mature cheddar or aged Boerenkaas with quince paste as well [1].