The next snag I picked up from South Africa was a Pinotage. I've heard other bloggers speak of this grape with mixed reviews. My impression is when its good, its good... but isn't that the case with everything? After some digging around, I learned some interesting things about this grape:

First, its actually a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault and was created in 1925 by a professor in South Africa. The research on this grape was almost forgotten until it won the Grand Championship in 1959 at the Cape Young Wine Show. Not too shabby...

My experience with this grape begin with Backsberg 1999 version from Paarl South Africa. This wine was unlike anything I've had. Rich is earth and rustic qualities- Smoke, earth, leather, meats and oak were more prominent than the fruit which poked its head mid way through. This would probably shine better if paired with rich or fatty foods to mellow out the tannins and bring some of the food more forward.

Being this is my first experience with Pinotage, I feel I need to give it more chances to dazzle my taste buds. I'm curious to hear other's impressions with Pinotage? Since its relatively new to the world of wine and doesn't share a rich history to be compared against like Zinfandel, I would imagine each bottle would be an adventure. Please, share your thoughts.

For more info on Pinotage, check out the Pinotage Wine Club