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Producer
Chamonix
Varietal: Pinotage
Pinotage was created in the early 20th century by a viticultural professor in South Africa. It was made by crossing the fine Pinot Noir and Cinsaut grape varietals, to produce a grape which was hardy enough to survive and flourish in the South African climate, and which produced wines of excellent flavor and a deep red color The Pinotage grape is renowned for its versatility, and is regularly used to produce fortified and sparkling wines, as well as the more usual still red wines which are easily identified by their smoky flavor, and notes of dark bramble berries and earthy characteristics. Occasionally, Pinotage grapes will hold some tropical fruit flavors, which make them ideal for drinking with a range of different foods. Whilst Pinotage is most readily associated with South Africa, it has also been successfully cultivated in many other parts of the world.
Region: Coastal Region
The coastal parts of South Africa, and in particular the region around Cape Town, have been important wine regions for a surprising length of time. Indeed, viticulture first began at the tip of the African continent back in the mid 17th century, when European settlers first began experimenting with the cooler and windier terroirs near the ocean, and recognizing the potential the area had for growing grapes of real character and distinction. Those early experiments slowly but surely led to a powerful wine industry, and South African wines became famous throughout Europe for their quality and big, fruity, bold flavors Today, the coastal regions of South Africa produce a huge amount of wine, made in sparkling, still and fortified styles, and utilizing a wide range of grape varietals.
Country: South Africa
Perhaps the most famous and well respected of all the wine regions in South Africa is that of Constantia, which holds many of the oldest and most traditional wineries in the country. Here, the temperate climate receives the Atlantic winds which cool the vineyards, and the fertile soil allows the grapes to grow to full ripeness, resulting in highly flavorful wines which are enjoyed around the world. Whilst Sauvignon Blanc varietals make up the most widely exported wines of this region, the rest of the country produces a huge and impressive range of wines, made up from varietals native to many different European countries. From excellent Champagne style sparkling wines, to aromatic fortified examples, fruity reds and refreshing whites, South Africa continues to impress and surprise, with modern techniques and technologies leading the way and producing exceptional results.