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Winery
Radford Dale
Varietal: Pinotage
Although most commonly associated with South Africa, where it has become something of a symbol of the country's wine industry, Pinotage is grown in several countries around the world and is favored by vintners due to its vigorous nature and hardiness, and the fact that the grapes produce high yields of reliable quality. Pinotage grapes are also very versatile, and are often used to make sparkling and fortified wines, as well as the more common still red wines which are enjoyed across the globe. The Pinotage varietal grape is actually a cross-breed, first made by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut varietals in the early 20th century, in an attempt to capture the finer points of both grapes. The results are often splendid, with Pinotage commonly holding flavors of dark hedgerow fruits, with a smoky and earthy character.
Region: Coastal Region
The coastal region of South Africa is a wonderful place for viticulture. With gorgeously long, hot summer days, tempered by brisk oceanic winds, the grapevines can grow healthily, the fruit can ripen fully, and beautiful wines of great character and flavor can be made. For several hundred years now, the coastal region of South Africa has proven itself to be a highly important wine region, capable of supporting many grape varietals, suitable for still, fortified and sparkling wines. Today, the most popular grapes by far are Chenin Blanc, which produces the most recognizable wines of South Africa. However, also popular are many of the Bordeaux varieties of red and white grape, along with relative newcomers, such as Pinotage, which grow exceptionally well in the coastal terroir.
Country: South Africa
With its hot, long summers and oceanic winds from both the west and the east, South Africa is something of a haven for a wide range of imported grape varietals. Since the mid-18th century, the country has been associated with some very fine wines made using complex and careful blending techniques, with one of the most famous and widely loved early examples being constructed from Pontac, Muscadel and Chenin Blanc varietals. Since those colonial days, the regions around Cape Town have proven again and again to be fantastic areas for producing interesting and delicious wines, with many of the best examples of Champagne style sparkling wines originating from these fertile lands. From the scorchingly hot regions of Orange Rivers, to the far cooler and temperate appellations in Walker Bay, South Africa has developed a booming wine industry responsible for many of the finest New World wines available anywhere across the globe.