100 years of Pinotage enjoyment: the birth of the unique red wine from South Africa

100 years ago, the unique Pinotage grape variety was created – an exceptional grape that has since shaped the South African wine landscape and enchanted wine lovers worldwide.

Whether powerful and fruity or elegant and heavy: Pinotage has been inspiring people with its character and depth for a century. But what makes this grape variety from South Africa so special, where are its roots and why does it stand for the strength and innovation of South African wine? Let’s delve into the history and significance of Pinotage red wine.

What is Pinotage? The origins of South Africa’s unique grape variety

It all began on November 17, 1924, when viticultural scientist Prof. A. I. Perold crossed the Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (also known as Hermitage in South Africa) grape varieties at the University of Stellenbosch. A year later, he planted his seeds – and thus sealed the birth of the Pinotage grape variety in 1925.

When Perold moved to Paarl in 1928, the seedlings of this fine grape variety were in danger of perishing. However, Dr. Charlie Niehaus replanted them on the Welgevallen farm and thus saved the South African icon that would later become world-famous as the Pinotage grape variety.

It was not until 1935 that Pinotage red wine really blossomed thanks to grafting, and the first Pinotage wine was produced in 1941 with CT de Waal. The first commercial plantings followed in 1943 at Myrtle Grove, and in 1949 Gerrit Nieuwoudt from the Stellenbosch Farmers Winery recognized the potential of the variety and promoted its spread.

Character: Unique taste with recognition value

The unique Pinotage grapes can be used to produce high-quality wine that enchants the hearts of wine connoisseurs with its special character. The single-varietal red wine presents itself in a strong, purple-red color and unfolds a harmonious balance of softness, fullness and fruitiness on the palate.

Aromas of dark berries, fruit and a hint of spice give it a complex yet accessible character – a real experience for anyone looking for something special in a glass. Whether as a soloist or as an accompaniment to grilled meat, spicy dishes or mature cheese.

The rise – from the 1950s to today

In the 1950s, wineries such as Uiterwyk, Bellevue, Kanonkop and Meerendal laid the foundations for Pinotage’s breakthrough – Bellevue and Kanonkop received the General Smuts Trophy in 1959 and 1961. In 1964, New Zealand ventured its first Pinotage red wine with Corbans, but criticism followed: in 1976, some Masters of Wine postulated the end of the variety.

Undaunted, Dick Steltzner exported his vines to California in 1978, and in the mid-1980s Beyers Truter von Kanonkop triumphed in international competitions.

The 1990s brought Pinotage to Virginia (1993) and Canada (1996), the founding of the Pinotage Association (1995) and the first Top 10 competition (1997). With the first Israeli Pinotage (2001), the victory of the Kaapzicht Cuvée (2002) and the Grand Pinotage Classification (2020), the once daring crossbreed has finally established itself among the elite grape varieties.

Today, almost 100 years after Perold’s pioneering work, the single-varietal wine stands for South African strength, character and innovation worldwide – a triumph that will resonate for a long time to come. Anyone interested in such a wine will discover one of South Africa’s most characterful and traditional grape varieties.

Take a trip back in time with Savinis to South Africa’s past with the finest Pinotage red wines:

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Conclusion

The Pinotage red wine is a true South African legend that has lost none of its fascination even after a century. A wine with history, character and depth – the perfect ambassador for the South African wine country!