Pinotage is a red wine grape that is South Africa’s signature variety. The grape is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (Hermitage) and was created in 1925 by Professor Abraham Perold. The variety combines the noble characteristics of the former with the reliability of the latter.
What wine is unique to South Africa?
South Africa Has Its Own Unique Wine – Pinotage
Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are currently the most widely planted varietals in South Africa, but Pinotage is the only one that is unique to South Africa. Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
Which red grape variety originates from South Africa?
Other red grape varieties found in South Africa include: Carignan, Gamay (often made in the style of Beaujolais wine with carbonic maceration), Grenache, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Pontac, Ruby Cabernet, Tinta Barroca and Zinfandel.
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Grape varieties.
| Grape | Vineyards |
|---|---|
| Pinotage | 7.5% |
| Merlot | 6.0% |
What distinct grape varietal is one of the most planted in South Africa?
Chenin Blanc (or Steen as it is sometimes known) is the most planted wine grape variety in South Africa at 18.6% of wine grapes. The Chenin Blanc grape has a long history in the Cape as it was one of the first wine grape cultivars introduced to the Cape by Jan van Riebeek in the 1650’s.
What grapes grow in South Africa?
Grape varieties in South Africa are predominantly white, accounting for 55% of the total production. Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted wine grape variety in the Cape, with increasing quality of both dry and sweet styles. Other major white varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier.
What is the most popular wine in South Africa?
Top 10 South African red wines
- Malbec 2015. Mt Vernon. …
- Syrah 2018. Glen Carlou. …
- Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. Bartinney. …
- Southern Point Shiraz-Merlot 2019. International Procurement and Logistics. …
- Royal Nymphomane 2015. La Vierge. …
- The Best Shiraz 2019. Morrisons. …
- Chocoholic Pinotage 2018. Darling Cellars. …
- Syrah 2018. La Motte.
What red wine is South Africa known for?
Pinotage, South Africa’s own red grape (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault) still leaves wine critics divided, but can make great single-variety offerings as well as being a key component in Cape Blends. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Bordeaux-style red blends are also among the country’s top reds.
How many grape varieties are there in South Africa?
Just as the wildlife industry has the Big Five, the South African wine industry boasts the Big Six, which refers to the cultivars: Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Where are grapes mostly found in South Africa?
The South African table grape export industry is situated in mild Mediterranean and arid subtropical climates. More than 80% of table grape production in South Africa occurs in the Western Cape re- gion.
What is the most widely planted white grape in South Africa?
Typically South African is no doubt Chenin Blanc, the most planted white vine of the country. But also lesser known varieties like Gewürztraminer and Viognier from South Africa are every penny worth their price.
What is a grape variety?
The term grape variety refers to cultivars rather than actual botanical varieties according to the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants, because they are propagated by cuttings and may have unstable reproductive properties.
What is wine grape variety?
A Beginner’s Guide to 24 Popular Wine Grapes
- Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir grape is known for its fussy nature — it can be incredibly difficult to grow. …
- Syrah. Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, they just have different names depending on where they are grown. …
- Gamay. …
- Tempranillo. …
- Nebbiolo. …
- Sangiovese. …
- Pinotage. …
- Carménère.
How do grapes grow in South Africa?
Grapevines are usually planted by the end of winter during July and August. In areas where late frost occurs or when soil is very wet after the winter rains, it must be planted later. Soak rootstocks in water for 24 hours before planting.
Who brought grapes to South Africa?
South Africa might be considered a new world wine region, but its winemaking history dates back some 300 years. South Africa’s first vines were planted in 1652 by Dutch surgeon, Jan van Riebeeck, when the Dutch East India Company first landed in Cape Town.
Who owns South African vineyards?
The fact is that foreign investors now have a stake in approximately 100 South African wine estates, which is about 16% of the total. The owners are mostly Dutch, French, British, German, American and Swiss, although countries such as Israel, Russia, Singapore, Australia and the Congo are also piling in.
What is the wine industry South Africa?
South Africa is the ninth biggest wine producer world-wide and produces about 4% of the world’s wine. The wine industry contributes more than R55 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 269 069 people throughout the value-chain, of which 80 183 work on farms and in cellars.