Pinotage from South Africa

Welcome to the world of Pinotage! Explore South Africa's unique grape variety in all its facets, from light rosés to complex, full-bodied red wines from the best sites.

Wine guide

Pinotage: The Heart of South African Winemaking

Pinotage is more than just a grape variety—it's a symbol of the innovation and terroir of South Africa. Created in 1925 as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, it combines the finesse of one with the resilience of the other. At The WineStore, you'll find a curated selection of nearly 50 wines from over 20 wineries, showcasing the full spectrum of this fascinating grape.

Style & Variety: More Than Just a Red Wine

For a long time, Pinotage was primarily known for its bold, full-bodied red style, often featuring notes of dark berries, plums, smoke, and sometimes coffee or chocolate. These wines are complex and suitable for aging. However, the winemakers at the Cape have rediscovered the grape's potential. Our range also includes fruity and aromatic Pinotage wines meant for younger drinking, as well as a growing number of elegant, dry rosés perfect for warm days. Renowned producers like Kanonkop and Backsberg Family Wines impressively demonstrate how versatile Pinotage can be, often in blends with grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Best Growing Regions

The home of Pinotage is in the Western Cape. The Stellenbosch region is particularly famous for its powerful and structured Pinotage wines, which benefit from the granite and slate soils. In Franschhoek, another top growing area in our portfolio, the wines are often more elegant and fruit-forward. Paarl also produces excellent quality wines that reflect the region's warm climate. Wineries like Diemersdal and Rickety Bridge use their specific terroir to create unique wine characters.

Your Perfect Food Pairing Companion

Pinotage is an incredibly versatile food wine. A classic, bold Pinotage is the ideal partner for anything from the grill, especially a traditional South African Braai (BBQ). It pairs excellently with red meat, game dishes, rack of lamb, or hearty stews. A fruitier style also complements pizza or spicy vegetarian dishes. The rosé versions are wonderful aperitifs and pair beautifully with salads, grilled fish, or light poultry.

A Pinotage for Every Budget

The world of Pinotage is accessible to everyone. In our selection, you'll find easy-drinking everyday wines for under €10 that offer great enjoyment. The majority of our range is in the mid-price segment between €10 and €25, where you can find wines with impressive depth and complexity from top wineries like Leopards Leap or Franschhoek Cellar. For special occasions, we also offer premium and icon wines from top producers, which can cost up to €60 and have enormous aging potential.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pinotage?

Pinotage is South Africa's signature red grape variety. It was bred in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault (then called 'Hermitage') and is known for its versatility and unique aromas.

What does Pinotage taste like?

Its flavour profile is diverse. Classic red wines often have aromas of dark fruits like plum and blackberry, paired with smoky, earthy notes and sometimes hints of coffee or chocolate. However, there are also fruity, lighter red wines and dry rosés.

What food pairs with Pinotage?

Bold Pinotage pairs excellently with grilled foods (Braai), red meat, game, and spicy stews. Fruitier versions and rosés are ideal with salads, poultry, or as an aperitif.

Which wineries are known for Pinotage?

We carry many renowned Pinotage producers. These include icons like Kanonkop, as well as highly regarded wineries such as Backsberg Family Wines, Diemersdal, Leopards Leap, and Rickety Bridge.

What are the shipping costs at The WineStore?

Shipping within Germany is €6.90 and free for orders over €120. To the EU, it costs €6.90–€11.90 depending on the country (free from €150). Shipping to the UK is €11.90 (free from €150), and to Switzerland and other countries it is €18.90 (free from €200).