Discovering Pinotage – The Wine Couple’s Experience
| Oct 17, 2025 | 2 min read
Discovering Pinotage – The Wine Couple’s Experience
When we realized that October 11 is Pinotage Day, we were excited to try something completely new — a South African red wine! 🇿🇦 Pinotage isn’t as widely known as Cabernet or Merlot, so this was a true adventure for us.
We selected two bottles for the occasion: Spier Pinotage 2023 Signature Collection and Neethlingshof Estate Wine 2023.
Wine #1: Spier Pinotage 2023, Signature Collection
- Aroma: Blueberry, plum, cinnamon, with smoky, slightly burnt notes
- Taste: Meaty, spicy, smokey, with hints of grilled fruit
Our Take: My husband made me laugh when he said the aroma reminded him of pork, and indeed, the taste was like eating a charcuterie board — complex, savory, and unexpected.
Pairings 🍽️:
- Grilled meats (steak, lamb, or pork)
- Barbecue dishes
- Charcuterie boards with cured meats and smoked cheeses
- Roasted vegetables
Our Thoughts: Pinotage was challenging due to its long-lasting acidity and unique smoky, rubbery, almost tire-like aromas. It’s definitely different from the dark reds we’re used to, but that’s what makes it interesting!
Wine #2: Neethlingshof Estate Pinotage 2023
- Aroma: Similar smoky and fruity notes as the Spier, but more balanced
- Taste: Fuller, smoother, with less smokiness — excellent with filet mignon and grilled bok choy
Our Take: This wine was more complete and approachable than the Spier. We found it dramatically improved after 30 minutes of aeration. Decanting is highly recommended. Even the next day, it tasted much richer and smoother — a testament to Pinotage’s complexity.
Why Try Pinotage
This isn’t a wine for the faint of heart! The acidity, smoky aromas, and unique flavors make it a true adventure for the palate. It may not be our everyday favorite, but it’s worth giving it a shot, especially if you enjoy trying wines that push your boundaries.
Fun Note: Pinotage can taste surprisingly different after letting it breathe. Decanting or sipping over time can transform it from challenging to deeply rewarding, revealing layers of fruit, spice, and smokiness you might not notice right away.
Final Thoughts
- Not our usual go-to, but exciting, bold, and unique (We mean the Neethlingshof, honestly)
- Pair with hearty meats, grilled vegetables, or charcuterie boards
- Best enjoyed after decanting or even the next day
We’ll continue exploring Pinotage and sharing our experience — if you love adventurous reds, this one deserves a try!🍷