Beverage

Pinotage

Pinotage is South Africa’s signature red cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault—capable of bright red fruit and smoke when carefully made, or overt banana-ester and rubbery notes if fermentation runs hot and careless. Quality examples show plum, blackberry, fynbos herb, and fine tannin; it ranges from light everyday reds to dense, oak-aged Cape icons. The variety is almost synonymous with modern South African red identity. Cook with cleaner, fruit-forward Pinotage for braised beef short ribs, smoked meats, and tomato-spice stews; the smoky edge mirrors barbecue without needing liquid smoke. Avoid faulty bottles with harsh volatile notes—they concentrate badly in reductions. Moderate heat and aromatic vegetables keep the sauce savoury.

Also known as: Pinotage