South Africa is, of course, a New World country but an old one and with a pleasant climate that makes it possible to obtain both good acidity and good structure in the wines. Rarely do they become too heavy. The red Bordeaux grapes are very popular.
South Africa also has its very own grape, the pinotage. It is a crossing, made here in 1925, between pinot noir and the southern French grape cinsault. At that time, cinsault was called hermitage in South Africa, hence the name pinotage.
Pinotage is grown only on around 7% of the vineyard area. But many producers want to promote the grape and since a few years back there is a wine type called Cape Blend. This blend must contain a certain amount of pinotage. Today, the talented winemakers make fantastic pinotage wines. We will try some of these on the tour.
Pinotage is grown for instance in Stellenbosch which will be our last stop on the tour. Before that, we visit Franschhoek, Elgin, Hemel-en-Aarde, Bot River and of course Cape Town. You can expect delicious meals, spectacular scenery and passionate winemakers.
Join us in February.
South Africa, February 15-23, 2020. Book your wine tour to South Africa now!
