Information about Black Varietal

Pinot Noir

Pinotage

Poulsard

The Pinotage grape
Pinotage was created by a cross of Pinot Noir with Cinsault in 1925 in South Africa, where it is regarded as a noble variety. It is grown only in South Africa, except for a very small amount in New Zealand. It gives relatively light colored wines.

The taste of Pinotage
The flavor and aroma spectrum tends to be rustic. Volatile esters are often found in lighter styles that can resemble darker colored and more alcoholic versions of Beaujolais; this is largely due to isoamyl acetate (it is not clear whether its presence is intrinsic to the variety or reflects common winemaking practices). When low yields and good ripeness are obtained, it can show a more complex spectrum of black fruits including plums and blackberries, with noticeable aromatics and strong tannins, somewhat resembling Syrah but with less fruit intensity and depth. There can be slightly lactic and even sewery notes on the nose.