Pinotage was produced by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and is grown primarily in South Africa. Wine was first planted here in 1652 by the Dutch - they used wine on sea voyages to prevent scurvy. In 1922 Professor Peroldt created the Pinotage cross, and in 1952 it was planted. The rest is history - the Pinotage grape ripens early and produces well.

Pinotage has a distinctive flavour, very fruity with an underlying taste frequently compared with banana. It can be drunk young, to maintain its fruity flavor. It also ages well, and the mellowing effect allows the wine to taste like a mature claret.