Have Pride in Pinotage says Oz Clarke

“Pinotage is needed and it is something to have pride in! And Cinsaut (Pinotage is a cross of the cultivars Pinot Noir and Cinsaut) is not the workhorse or donkey of a grape it’s often described as. Back in the 1980s, it was fashionable to be rude about Pinotage but not any more. I want the Pinot Noir characters brought out in cooler areas and the Cinsaut character in the warmer areas. Beyers Truter does wonderful stuff.

Pinotage can be fresh, bright and juicy with characters unlike any in the world. Mulberry, marshmallow, bonfire smoke, strange and wonderful flavours — but you need to tame the tannins and stop the new oak!”

 

 

 

Oz Clarke was being interviewed by Katy Chance in South Africa's Business Day newspaper while judging at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show