A crossing of Cinsault and Pinot Noir, Pinotage is a red grape variety developed in South Africa in 1924, but it was not until the late 1980s that it began to gain recognition internationally.
Predominantly grown and vinified in South Africa, when produced well, Pinotage displays a range of red and black fruits like plum, currants, cherry and blackberry, banana and herbaceous characters, gaining additional complexity when aged in oak with notes of smoke, spice and chocolate.
Scroll down to discover 6 Pinotage wines to try from DWWA 2024
Produced as a varietal wine or as part of a blend, to celebrate this uniquely South African variety, we highlight awarded examples from the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) – tasted and assessed by some of the world’s top wine experts, including South Africa Regional Chair Fiona McDonald.
On this, McDonald commented, ‘A DWWA medal is one that has genuine merit and value, because the level of assessment is so considered. People who judge here are experts in their field, experts in the specific country that they are judging. They know the ins and outs of the various regions, the price points, wine styles and so to get a Gold, a Platinum or even a Silver medal – the weighting of that is much heavier than it is for other similar competitions.’
Now in its tenth year, International Pinotage Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in October. To celebrate, discover 6 Pinotage wines which impressed most from the 2024 competition, with more to search at awards.decanter.com
Award-winning wines to celebrate International Pinotage Day
KWV, The Mentors Perold, Coastal Region 2021
Gold, 95 points
40% Pinotage, 30% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Sensational ripe dark fruits and clove spices pervade the sumptuous, plush texture and core of oaky tannins. Structural perfection with a wonderful fruit purity to end. Alcohol 14.5%
Neethlingshof Estate, The Owl Post Pinotage, Stellenbosch 2021
Silver, 94 points
100% Pinotage
Bright floral notes, pure plum with hints of smoke and banana. Fine grained tannins with concentrated fruit on the palate. Energetic acidity. Alc 14%
Bellingham, The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage, Coastal Region 2021
Silver, 92 points
100% Pinotage
Caramelised cherry, milk chocolate with a hint of butcher’s spice aromas. Lovely polished palate, opulent with cocoa powder and spice adding interest. Alc 14%
Bellingham, The Founder’s Series Pod, Coastal Region 2021
Silver, 92 points
60% Pinotage, 40% Shiraz
Ripe plum, toasty coffee and liquorice spice aromas. Varietal tarry notes on the palate, yet beautiful energic line lifted by violet fragrance. Alc 14%
Asda, Nice Drop of Pinotage, Western Cape 2023
Silver, 91 points
100% Pinotage
Raspberry, cranberry with subtle oak spice perfume. Zesty acidity and well defined tannin structure. Poised and elegant with lingering finish. Alc 11%
Du Toitskloof Wines, Granite Pinotage, Malmesbury, Swartland 2021
Silver, 90 points
100% Pinotage
Crushed plum, cherries with a hint of smoke. Vibrancy, purity and freshness on the palate with notes of liquorice, cloves and caramel. Alc 14%
Search all DWWA 2024 results
