Pinotage is making a huge comeback.
In the recent past, writers and critics alike have been giving it a bad rap – labeling it a varietal with little potential and no depth in character.
Well that has seriously changed and many writers are faced with having to eat their own critical words!
The change in fortune can be attributed to a few very important factors (some of which I may very well have left out so feel free to add to them!):
The outstanding quality of Pinotage now being made by a vast majority of wineries
The outstanding quality of Pinotage that a select few wineries have always and continue to make (keeping their hopes of Pinotage alive and in turn teaching other hopefuls) – Kanonkop and Beyerskloof take a bow.
The formation and great work of the Pinotage Association
Some positive press about the varietal (Gary Vay-ner-Chuck of Wine Library TV recently went stark raving mad about Kanonkop Pinotage!)
The ardent support and work of die hard fans of Pinotage – Pete May of The Pinotage Club take a bow here.
Stormhoek – the success of Stormhoek and their Pinotage in particular should be heralded and recognized as a major perception changer.
Well I’m off home to have a half jack of Beyerskloof Pinotage (thanks Beyers Truter!)- enjoy the South African icon everyone!
Cru Master
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June 27th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
There’s a whole new generation of new wine drinkers that don’t have all those old historical hang-ups and are coming to the variety wth open minds and liking what they taste.
June 27th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
very true pete – now imagine a french version of pinotage – if not why not!!