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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
South Africa is a fascinating country for wine, and the coastal regions at the very tip of the African continent are widely regarded as being one of the finest wine regions in the world. It isn't difficult to understand why the early European settlers in the 17th century saw such potential for viticulture in the area; the heat is fantastic, the summer days wonderfully long, the soil rich in minerals, and the strong winds coming from the ocean provide much needed coolness in which the grapes could ripen slowly and fully. Over time, South Africa's coastal regions became covered in strong, healthy vineyards, and today, the wine industry of the region is booming. The past few decades have seen wineries experimenting with a wide range of grape varietals, and also producing fortified wines and sparkling wines of great character alongside their classic varieties.
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.