Proudly South African

Pinotage striving forward, and the special proximity of our Cape winelands.

An apt moment to feature Pinotage as we enter World Cup frenzy, with a chance to acclaim the wine that is utterly and absolutely South African, and of which we are all very proud.

 

By now most of us are fully acquainted with Pinotage's creation back in 1925 from crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage) into a new variety.

From there it grew in reputation as it developed and acquired a following. We watched, almost with bated breath, as all of its characteristics, the good, the bad and if they can be called the ugly, knew fame for a variety of unique distinctions, found only here in the Cape.

With a patriotic fervour came those who decided to take the wine to a new level with the advent of the chocolate/ coffee-flavour style.

Choca-mocha and many other name-plays on this idea became a summary byline of a new trend for Pinotage winemaking with many obvious marketing opportunites.

Where some held their heads in shame at the somewhat trite allusion, many went on the rampage for it.

Although some may still avoid it, comparing it to the unwanted red-headed step-child, and whether it has been ‘good or bad', its wide debate shows that, like it or not, a turning point was made.

Notwithstanding the rise and fall and turbulent history around Pinotage, this year it took some glory as one of the highlights of the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2010, with four gold medals and noted as the "red wine revelation" by Michael Fridjhon (see ICONS guide p. 163).

There is also an interesting note on its resonance with burnt rubber by Alex Hunt, one of the international judges. (Article in ICONS on p. 170 or visit http:// www.winemag.co.za/article/old-mutualtrophy-wine-show-judges-feedbacksession.)

There are many reasons for its increase in quality at this point, including an inspiration for trying new styles.

While perusing our extensive winelands for a fine example of said Pinotage, exploration will inevitably lead to a discovery of commendable local offerings.

Of particular attraction in SA is the fact that we are able to offer an exclusive case of proximity. We are in fact one of the few winelands of the world that offer incredible diversity due to the unique terrain, but where one is afforded the opportunity to visit the four main regions in a relatively short space of time, as none is so far away that it requires an actual plane ride - except for KZN, a newcomer to the SA wine world since 2005 (see our travel article on p. 64).

To put this in perspective, one is easily able to get a snapshot view of SA's winelands, whereas other wine regions of the world are spread well apart, requiring road trips of substantial distance, or most often are cities/provinces apart.

For example, the Bordeaux, Rhône and Loire Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, Champagne, etc, regions are spread out over all corners of France. It also takes a long plane flight to experience the Hunter through to the Barossa Valley in Australia, and the same for Napa to Chile in the Americas. Spain sees Rioja to Jerez from north to south.

We are so fortunate to have at our immediate disposal everything from regions that can monopolise on cooling sea breezes, to those that are flat with almost desert-like heat, to the allure of undulating mountainous terrain.

Such a radius of diversity - expressing as an industry our truly South African nature. Right now every note in the air, including the sound of the vuvuzela, is alive with the pride of our nation. It is time to enjoy what we uniquely have to offer.