My First Cypriot Pinotage

Chateau St Hilarion Pinotage 2009, Cyprus (unfinished vat sample)

It is not fair to review this wine since it’s an unfinished sample of a work in progress that international consultant Keith Grainger syphoned from a tank and put into a bottle just before he returned to the UK some weeks ago ... but it is so promising I just have to share.

Good bright colour cherry red colour and vanilla strongly on the nose. Has a creamy mouth feel offering subdued blackberry flavours, vanilla and a slightly dusty finish.

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It is likely that this maiden vintage of Cyprus’s first Pinotage won’t be commercially released but used for evaluation by the winery. The vines were planted just three years ago on a trial basis so are very young.

I think it shows great promise. The wine has a very pleasing flavour, clean and without any earthiness, a little like Beaujolais crossed with Cotes du Rhone. On the basis of this Chateau St Hilarion could have a real winner on its hands.

Many thanks to Keith for getting the sample to me. And let me take the opportunity to congratulate Keith for winning the Gourmand Award for the Best Wine Education Book in the World for his latest book Wine Quality: Tasting and Selection (Food Industry Briefing).



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Cape Blend inspires Cyprus

I didn't know before but Cyprus is a rare country, like Chile, free of the scourge of Phylloxera and therefore able to grow vines on their own roots.

And having not suffered the devastion of their vineyards Cyprus is lucky in having an abundance of rare indigenous varieties such as Xynisteri, Mavro and Maratheftiko.

But how to sell such varieties to an international market?

Wines from Cyprus suggest that "there is the potential to promote a Cyprus Blend similar to South Africa's Cape Blend. The latter country has made a name for its unique mix of native Pinotage and Bordeaux grapes."

Of course, it may not be long before Cyprus can make an authentic Cape Blend using their own Pinotage - see here

Pinotage planted in Cyprus

Northern Cyprus joins the family of places growing Pinotage. Chateau St Hilarion recently planted 100 vines in a trial of the variety’s suitabilty. Chateau St Hilarion winery, in Northern Cyprus, is advised by international consultant Keith Grainger (picture right) .

Keith tells me that Pinotage’s ability to ripen early before the scorching temperatures of late summer was a factor in choosing Pinotage, which he thinks could be a promising variety for the Mediterranean island.

Text and photograph Copyright © Peter F May 2007