Do we ship to you?.
More Details
Winery
Radford Dale
Varietal: Pinotage
Pinotage is a red wine grape varietal which is most commonly associated with the wine industry of South Africa, although it has also been successfully cultivated in several other countries, most notably the United States and New Zealand. It was first grown in 1925, when it was created by a professor of viticulture, and came about as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut grapes. The Pinotage grape is a versatile one, and has been used to make a range of still red wines, alongside sparkling wines and fortified varieties. It is adored for its characteristically smoky flavors, and the notes of dark berries, plums and earthy touches often found in the wines it is made from. Pinotage has naturally high tannins and acidity levels, making it a popular grape for blending and aging.
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
Situated on the very tip of the African continent, South Africa has proved itself over three centuries to be an ideal location for producing a wide range of wines. Benefiting from something not dissimilar to a Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers complemented by both Atlantic and Indian Ocean winds, the grapes which grow on the valleys, mountainsides and plains of this fascinating country can ripen to their fullest capacity, producing wines packed full of fruity flavors and an array of interesting and enticing aromas. As a former colony, South Africa has long since been home to a range of different nationalities, who each brought something of their wine culture with them. As such, many European grape varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and others have been given time to flourish in South Africa, allowing the country to develop a diverse group of wine types which are proving increasingly popular around the world.