Styles of Pinotage – One Grape, Endless Expression

Blog Series: Pinotage at 100 - South Africa's Homegrown Grape Reimagined

Pinotage is a shape-shifter. From brooding and bold to chillable and pink, it wears many hats.

In this week’s blog post, we explore the stylistic spectrum of Pinotage—a grape once locked into stereotypes, now liberated by innovation. Across South Africa, winemakers are showing that Pinotage is not one thing but many. From Stellenbosch to Swartland, the grape now thrives in classic, creative, and even radical expressions.

Whether you crave a deep, cellar-worthy red or a crisp rosé on a summer afternoon, Pinotage has something for you.

Classic, Full-Bodied and Oaked

These represent the traditional heart of premium Pinotage: bold, structured, and age-worthy. Typically sourced from warmer inland vineyards (e.g., Kanonkop, Beyerskloof, Lanzerac), these wines show deep color, firm tannins, and flavors of black cherry, plum, tobacco, chocolate, and spice.

Open-top fermenters (kuipe) and punch-downs extract depth and structure; aging is often 18–24 months in French or American oak.

Examples: Kanonkop Pinotage, Beyerskloof Diesel, Lanzerac Pinotage

Elegant, Cool-Climate Pinotage

Crafted in cooler sites or higher elevations (e.g., Elgin, Polkadraai, Hemel-en-Aarde), these wines show Pinotage’s lighter, floral, and aromatic side. Expect red fruit, violet, spice, and bright acidity.

Partial or full whole-bunch fermentation, wild yeasts, and gentle maceration are common. Oak is restrained—older barrels or minimal new wood.

Examples: Kaapzicht Skraalhans, L’Avenir Block 2, Hamilton Russell Ashbourne

The Coffee or Barista Style

Made with ripe fruit, warm fermentation, and toasted oak adjuncts (chips or staves), this modern style emphasizes espresso, mocha, and chocolate over ripe black fruit. Initially polarizing, it played a key role in Pinotage’s accessibility.

Pioneer: Diemersfontein

Cape Blends

These blends highlight Pinotage alongside international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz. Typically 30–70% Pinotage, they offer structure, ageability, and a proudly South African identity.

Examples: Kaapzicht Vision, Beyerskloof Faith, Idiom Cape Blend

Rosé Pinotage

Crisp, vibrant, and fruit-forward, Pinotage rosés are made by direct press or short maceration. Expect strawberry, cranberry, watermelon, and rose petal with a hint of spice or citrus.

Examples: De Grendel Pinotage Rosé, Kaapzicht Estate Rosé, Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rosé

Sparkling Styles

Pinotage’s acidity and aromatics make it suitable for both Cap Classique and ancestral method (pét-nat). Expect wild red fruit, zest, and texture.

Examples: De Grendel MCC Brut Rosé, L’Avenir Cap Classique Brut, B Vintners Méthode Ancestrale

Minimal Intervention & Natural Pinotage

Native yeasts, amphorae, whole bunches, and early pressing define this style. The goal: freshness, drinkability, and vibrancy.

Examples: Fram Wines Pinotage, B Vintners Liberté

White Pinotage

A blanc de noir style made from early-picked, gently pressed Pinotage grapes. These wines are floral, peachy, and tropical—sometimes blended with Chenin Blanc.

Examples: Simonsig White Pinotage, Beyerskloof Pinotage/Chenin

Sweet Fortified Pinotage

Inspired by Port, these wines are rich and high in alcohol, featuring plum compote, fig, mocha, and spice. Aged in oak; rare but deeply expressive.

Example: Beyerskloof Lagares Cape Vintage

Coming Next Week:

A deep dive into terroir—how soil, altitude, and vineyard philosophy shape the many voices of Pinotage.