Underdog Grape · South Africa

Pinotage

South Africa's signature grape is the most unfairly maligned red in the wine world. A 1925 crossing with a bad reputation — and, in the right hands, a smoky, structured red worth defending.

Tasting profile
Full tasting notes live in the deep dive.
Drinks like
a smoky Syrah crossed with a brambly Zinfandel
Taste
LightBold
SoftAcidic
SmoothTannic
DrySweet
Tastes like
BlackberryPlumWoodsmokeMocha
Where it grows
Stellenbosch, South Africa
The verdict
Contender86 / 100
Where to buy
Buying links coming soon — for specific bottles, read the deep dive.

Keep exploring

The region

South Africa

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Read the deep diveIn Defense of Pinotage

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