Pinotage

Pinotage is a varietal native to S-Africa that was the product of crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault (spelled Cinsaut by the locals). We tried two bottles tonight, both available from Trader Joe's.

Bon Cape Pinotage 2006 is made from grapes grown organically in the Robertson region, an outstanding wine region about 100km east of Cape Town. The wine exhibits an earthiness characteristic of the grape. It is fruit forward with an abundance of strawberries and cherries and is rounded out with supple tannins. As a whole it makes a succulent little wine while reminiscent of some of the more popular wines of the Willamette valley. I did not notice the notorious band aid on the nose. I give this wine which costs $11.99 at my local TJs 86 points.

Zarafa Pinotage 2008 is a substantially simpler wine. It lacks the balance of its rival from Bon Cape, tasting slightly too alcoholic. There is a noticable off-taste, which might be what some describe as band-aid. I would recommend all but those on the tightest budget to look further afield. The wine was $3.99 at TJs and is gets 71 points.