The Rich History of Pinotage in South Africa
South Africa’s wine history is vibrant and diverse, but few stories are as fascinating as that of Pinotage, the country’s signature grape variety. This unique cultivar, a blend of two grape varieties, has grown to symbolize the innovation and passion within South Africa’s winemaking industry. From the vineyards of Bellevue, where it was first cultivated, to the present-day wine tours that celebrate its heritage, Pinotage has carved a unique niche in the world of wine.
The Origins of Pinotage: The Work of Abraham Izak Perold
The story of Pinotage begins in 1924 with Dr. Abraham Izak Perold, a professor at the University of Stellenbosch, who would later become a leading figure in South African viticulture. Perold, who had a keen interest in grape hybridization, crossed Pinot Noir, known for its delicate and complex flavours, with Cinsault, also known locally as Hermitage, which was a hardy and productive grape. This unlikely combination led to the birth of a new variety: Pinotage.
Perold’s experiment with Pinotage was initially small-scale, and he only planted four seedlings in the garden of his official residence at the university. In fact, Perold left Stellenbosch before seeing the full potential of the Pinotage vines, and for some time, they were almost forgotten. Fortunately, young viticulture professor Charlie Niehaus found and rescued them, replanting them at the Elsenburg Agricultural College. It was here that Pinotage’s journey as a significant grape variety truly began.
Bellevue’s Role: Pioneering the Growth of Pinotage
Fast forward to the 1950s, when Bellevue Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch region planted the first commercial Pinotage vineyard. Bellevue’s owner, P.K. Morkel, saw potential in this distinctive grape and took a leap of faith by dedicating land to its growth. Little did they know, they were about to make history.
Bellevue’s Pinotage grapes were later sold to Lanzerac Wine Estate, which saw something special in this new grape variety. Lanzerac took on the task of producing the first commercially available Pinotage wine, releasing its first bottle in 1961. This wine quickly captured the attention of wine enthusiasts for its bold flavours and the unique character that set it apart from other wines on the market.
Lanzerac Estate: The First to Sell Pinotage Commercially
Lanzerac’s launch of the first Pinotage wine marked a milestone for South African viticulture. The wine’s debut was a resounding success, and Lanzerac became synonymous with this new, indigenous variety. Since then, Pinotage has been embraced by winemakers across the country, and today, South Africa is the only place in the world where it is grown in significant quantities. This bold wine reflects the diversity and resilience of South African winemaking and continues to evolve and flourish with each passing year.
Wine in the Cape: An Exclusive Pinotage Wine Tour
At Wine in the Cape, we celebrate this heritage with our exclusive Pinotage Wine Tour. This curated experience takes you on a journey through the history of Pinotage, with stops at renowned wine estates, including the iconic Lanzerac. You’ll get a chance to taste some of the finest Pinotage wines available today while immersing yourself in the story of how this grape became a South African classic. Book your wine tour here.
Join us as we explore the legacy of Dr. Perold and the pioneering vineyards of Bellevue and Lanzerac, bringing the story of Pinotage full circle. We invite you to raise a glass and toast to the legacy of Pinotage – a grape that has become an integral part of South Africa’s winemaking identity.
Pinotage is more than a wine; it’s a symbol of innovation and a testament to South African winemakers’ passion and creativity. From its experimental beginnings to its celebrated status today, the history of Pinotage continues to captivate wine lovers around the world. Embark on our Pinotage Wine Tour and experience this piece of wine history firsthand!
