Pinotage Wine has a Peppery and Spicy Flavor With Strong Hint of Plums

You Must Visit The Wine Regions Of South Africaan "immense tavern." South African wine was
The fine mixture of soil and climate in Southenjoyed around the world in places such as Britain
Africa makes it an ideal place to cultivate wine.and the United States.
Vineyards, producing very high quality wines, areWhen the British gained control of the Cape, they
distributed throughout the country.were delighted to find a large source of wine at
Although South Africa has been producing finetheir disposal. After the British abolished slavery in
wines since the 17th century, there has been littleSouth Africa the wine industry suffered. Rich
interest in its industry until recently. Because ofplanters drove away all competition through the
international politics and economic policies, Southproduction of cheap wine.
Africa did not really participate in the modern wineThe British government attempted to correct this
boom. As these policies change, however, Southproblem by raising the tariffs on wine from the
African wines are developing a following beyondCape, thereby removing South African wine from
its borders.the British market for the next several years.
The white wines of South Africa have a veryDuring the wine boom of the 20th century, South
good reputation in the international wine industry,Africa was virtually ignored in the world's wine
being light and crisp, and even fruity in flavor. Themarket. This is because of its political situation and
Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, especially,the many trade embargoes against South African
seem to thrive in the South African climate.industry in general.
These grapes produce aromatic and spicy winesToday, the wines of South Africa are very high in
that compliment many different foods and tastes.quality but there is still little consumer interest in
Although the white wines of South Africa have athese wines. This negative attitude towards South
better image than the reds, there are a numberAfrican industry has created many obstacles for
of very high quality wines of the red variety. Onethe promotion of her wines. Not all nations ignore
of the most flavorful South African reds is aSouth African industry, however, and this
cross between the Pinot Noir and the Cinsault, arecognition should help this industry to expand in
grape from southern Rhone. This wine is calledthe future.
Pinotage, and is exported to most parts of thePinotage is at home in South Africa. It thrives well
world with great success.in the slightly hot, dry climate of the Western
Shiraz is also made in South Africa with success.Cape - South Africa.
This wine is light and fruity and enjoyed globally.Pinotage, itself, is a cross between Pinot Noir and
At the time it was first settled in by the Dutch inCinsault.
the early 17th century, South Africa was notPinotage has a peppery and spicy flavor with
considered to be a suitable climate for thestrong hint of plums, bananas and redcurrants.
cultivation of grapes. This attitude quickly changedAlthough easy to cultivate and vinify, Pinotage
when vines were successfully grown in the middlevine material is in short supply, mainly rootstock.
of the same century. While these wines wereStyles of Pinotage wimes vary from smooth to
considered high in quality, continuing the productionrough textured. Although it benefits from
of fine wines was not on the Dutch's agenda formaturing, it is not often allowed to age.
their colony. Instead, the farmlands were neededPinotage produces light red, blush and sparkling
for rice to feed the slaves and colonists.wines.
By the 19th century, South Africa was producingPinotage was created in the 1920's by Professor
more wine than it ever had before. It exportedPerold at Stellenbosch University.
so much wine that the British Lord Nelson called itCome for a visit.