Pinotage, Constantia, Groot Constantia

A 100% Pinotage from Western Cape, South Africa. Pinotage is South Africa’s signature variety having first been planted there in 1941. It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, Cinsault was known as Hermitage at the time hence the name Pino-tage. The idea was to create a grape that was hardy and drought resistant like Cinsault but tasted amazing like Pinot Noir and they succeeded. Pinotage is more like Shiraz than Pinot Noir, this one in particular is much deeper in colour and has bold plum, blackberry, tobacco and liquorice notes. It has spent 14 months in oak of various ages (1, 2, 3 and 4 year old) smoothing out those naturally high tannins and adding a gorgeous toasty, vanilla smoke to the finish.

Food Pairings – barbecued steak is a match made in heaven. It also stands up very well to curried meats and fireside sipping!