LAvenir Far & Near Pinotage Red Wine

Pinotage is South Africa’s own grape, and it is a must-try for anyone looking to broaden their viticultural horizons.

This grape is a cross between the picky Pinot Noir and the prolific Cinsault, also known as Hermitage. Pinotage was created in 1925 at Stellenbosch University by scientist Abraham Perold for and by South Africans.

These small grapes with thick skins produce deep, inky wines with distinct, bold flavours. Look for black and purple fruit notes such as blackberry, plum, black currant, figs, and possibly a hint of banana. If you dig deeper, you’ll find hints of smoke, hoisin sauce, rooibos, tobacco, bacon, and grilled meats.

A bottle of Pinotage can be drunk young, but it improves with age as the flavours soften and deepen.

This is a wine that pairs well with the charred smokiness of a summer BBQ, or ‘Braai’ in South Africa. Pinotage pairs well with grilled lamb and vegetables, burgers, and a creamy plate of vegetarian dhaal.

• Region: South Africa
• Style: Red Wine
• Size: 750mL
• Alcohol: 14%