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Mocha coffee and banana whiffs complement a black and blue berry complex bouquet. Bodega Pinotage is a medium bodied South African wine with perfect balance between fruit, acid and oak.
Palate
Dry raspberry, cranberry and redcurrant flavor an easy drinking palate.
Bodega Winery
The farm was established around 1974 with a Spanish-style homestead plus vineyard, hence the name "Bodega." Eddie and Julianne Barlow purchased the farm in 1989. They planted 12.5 acres of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. The cellar was established in modest style, with equipment found in surprising places – an Italian press in an English vineyard, a crusher in a Devon Valley vineyard.
At the present time the total land under vines is 32.5 acres – 15 acres of cabernet sauvignon, 10 acres of merlot and 7.5 acres of pinotage. The average yield is 2.4 tons per acre.
Winemaker
Julianne Barlow is the head winemaker, ably assisted by Eugene van Zyl, who has been head of Elsenberg Agricultural College for 15 years. He has a great flair for flavor, and an individualistic style.
Pinotage is a wine grape that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (called Hermitage in South Africa and parts of Europe, hence the portmanteau name of this grape variety).
Created in South Africa in 1925 by A I Peroldt, a professor at Stellenbosch University, it is probably best known in that country where it makes popular fruity red wines capable of aging, as well as blush, fortified 'port' style, red sparkling and other styles.
Pinotage has a distinctive, refreshing and very fruity flavour. Many tasters mention a banana-like taste, others have also detected bramble fruit notes.
Wines made from this grape can be drunk young, in order to savour its fruity flavor. Pinotage also ages well - the mellowing effect allows the wine to taste like a mature claret.
Pinotage is a required component in a Cape blend.
In the past, Pinotage was accused of having a "paint box" or "nail varnish" aroma. However, research found that these were the result of a too low fermentation temperature.
New Zealand has the second largest planting and area is increasing in Brazil, California, Canada, Israel, Virginia, and Zimbabwe.
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