Pinotage is a unique grape that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.  Pinotage was created in 1924 by. Dr. Abraham Izak Perold.  Dr. Perold

Nederburg 2011 Winemaster’s Reserve Pinotage

was the first director of the Department of Viticulture & Enology at the University of Stellenbosh when he crossed the two varietals.  His hope was that the grape would retain the great qualities of Pinot Noir and also have the heat tolerance of Cinsault.  Most Pinotage wines are medium to full-bodied, and can be spicy and flavorful.  The first wine made from Pinotage was made by the Welgevallen winery in 1941, and the grape gradually gained in popularity since then.  The grape is grown is most growing regions in South Africa, the most being in Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Swartland.  This 2011 by Nederburg is from the Paarl district.

About the Wine: The 2011 Winemaster’s Reserve Pinotage is medium bodied, with spice and ripe cherry on the nose.  It has a nice balanced structure, with smooth spicy raspberry on the palate along with some earth and minerality.  The alcohol comes in at 14%, but it is very smooth on the finish.  A very nicely made wine, it could pair with many occasions.  For a price of $11, this is a very good buy.

The Winery: Nederburg was founded in 1791 in the Paarl district of the Western Cape.  Nederburg has a rich history in Cape winemaking and is a very large and important producer.  With several labels ( Heritage Heroes, II Centuries, and Winemaster’s Reserve to name a few), Nederburg produces high quality wines ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc among others.  A highly regarded late harvest wine is produced as well.  Along with great wines,  Nederburg hosts an annual wine auction, a concert series, and also has a restaurant.

The Region: Nederburg is located in the Paarl district, in the Western Cape.  There is a variety of terrain, and most vineyards are planted on sandy, alluvial soils.  Many vines are planted in the lower, warmer areas of the valleys, with some also being planted at cooler, higher elevations. The most planted varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc.

I have been enjoying Pinotage wines recently and I found this one to be quite good, and would recommend it for sure.

Cheers!