Pinotage
From Free net encyclopedia
Pinotage Template:IPA is a wine grape that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (called Hermitage in South Africa and parts of Europe, hence the portmanteau name of this grape variety).
Pinotage was created in South Africa in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, a professor at Stellenbosch University. Perold was attempting to combine the best qualities of Pinot Noir, a grape that can be difficult to grow but with excellent wine-making properties, with the Cinsault, which is very prolific and sturdy. For over forty years after its introduction, Pinotage was relatively unknown outside South Africa. However, after the apartheid system fell, international boycotts were lifted, and Pinotage began to spread commercially. Although it is still best known in South Africa, it is now also grown extensively in New Zealand and Zimbabwe, and area is increasing in Brazil, California, Canada, Israel, and Virginia.
Pinotage is a viticultural cross, not a hybrid. In viticulture, a cross is a cultivar which is the result of crossing two or more cultivars within the same species, while a hybrid is a cultivar bred from members of different species. Both of Pinotage's ancestors are vitis vinifera.
Pinotage has a distinctive, refreshing and very fruity flavour. Many tasters mention a banana-like taste, earthy tones, and bramble fruit notes. Wines made from this grape can be consumed young, in order to savour their fruity flavor. Pinotage also ages well - the mellowing effect allows the wine to taste like a mature claret.
In South Africa, Pinotage is used for fruity red wines capable of aging, as well as blush, fortified 'port' style, red sparkling and other styles. Pinotage is a required component in a Cape blend.
In the past, Pinotage was accused of having a "paint box" or "nail varnish" aroma. However, research found that these were the result of a too low fermentation temperature.