MICHAEL FRIDJHON: Winemakers expunge the sins of the fathers as pinotage evolves
You would be hard-pressed to name one faulty vintage produced in the past five years
Pinotage is probably the most controversial cultivar in SA. The mere mention of its name provokes stronger reactions from wine enthusiasts than even the names of our more mendacious politicians. Most of the people who revile it do so either because their opinions were formed in the distant past, or because they consider it witty and fashionable to make it the whipping boy of all that was once bad about Cape wine.
Those with long memories (and no current tasting experience) at least have a shadow of history on their side. Many pinotages before the 1990s had a distinct “varnish” or acetone note; several made in the early 2000s a “burnt rubber” pong — no doubt the result of poor cellar practices...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.