Red grape
Pinotage
A South African crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, often full-bodied with dark plum, brambly fruit and firm tannin.
At a glance
- Dark plum
- Medium acidity
- Firm tannin
Recognize it
Medium to full body with medium acidity and moderate to firm tannin. Dark plum, blackberry and bramble are common. Coffee, chocolate and smoke can come from oak treatment, so they are not reliable grape markers.
Similar grapes
Syrah
Similar comparable weight and firm tannin.
Difference Syrah is more peppery and violet-scented; Pinotage leans toward bramble and dark plum.
Zinfandel
Similar both can be ripe and full-bodied.
Difference Zinfandel is usually higher in alcohol and jammier; Pinotage usually has firmer tannin and darker plum fruit.