April 2006

Pinotage, Churchill & the Russians

By: Charlie Hardie (Cellar Master at Browns of Rivonia)

Churchill was once asked, during WW2, to opine on the Russian peoples. He replied “A riddle wrapped up in a mystery inside an enigma.” The most perfect description when discussing Pinotage. In fact I do not know of a cultivar that elicits more comments either praiseworthy or otherwise.

Pinotage’s major drawback is that its style and quality does vary, even from vintage to vintage, thus the wine drinker has no benchmark flavour with which to identify. My rule of thumb is never just pick Pinotage, rather be guided by those in the know.

However, Pinotage, when handled correctly, produces wines of immense charm and, being uniquely South African affords the wine lover a true flavour of the Cape. A couple of wines spring to mind, such as the De Waal Top of the Hill 2001 and the Ashbourne 2001.

Visit Browns of Rivonia to sample this fascinating varietal and begin your journey with Pinotage on a great note!

Call 011 803 7533 or email bookings@browns.co.za