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The History of South African Pinotage Wine

The story of Pinotage, the “signature grape of South Africa”, begins with two prominent grape varietals: Pinot Noir and Hermitage (also called Cinsaut).  These two were combined to incapsulate the elegance of Pinot Noir with the hardiness of Hermitage. The experimental vineyards that pioneered this interaction in Stellenbosch in 1925 received little acknowledgement and Pinotage only started to be made into wine in the 1950s. The varietal was met with a mixed response until the official Pinotage Association was created in 1995.


From then on, vineyard care was improved, wines were refined with more consistent flavour and the grape began to earn international recognition. Once Pinotage had stretched its reputation beyond South Africa, it quickly captivated the world with its ripe red berries, slight oakiness and hint of spice.



But is Pinotage a good wine?

Pinotage has become closely associated with South African winemaking and is known for its distinctive flavour profile and characteristics, complex aromas and a bold nose. If that sounds like the type of wine you enjoy, prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of velvety textures, subtle smoke and an earthiness that comes directly from the South African landscape. Award-winning Pinotage wines stands as a testament to its exceptional quality.


How to drink Pinotage

\At Van Loveren, we dedicate ourselves to creating wines that are accessible to anyone who enjoys good quality wine. A bottle of Van Loveren Pinotage can be enjoyed on special occasions or as an everyday treat with dinner, making it accessible to all. Additionally, our Pinotage is an excellent choice for food and wine pairings, enhancing the flavours of hearty meat dishes, barbeques, spare ribs, and curries.



Van Loveren’s African Java Pinotage

One of our crowning achievements is our African Java Pinotage. This crimson beauty represents generations of dedication, quality and innovation in winemaking. The diverse range of soil types in the Robertson Valley coupled with our warm days and cool nights allow us to create a beautiful Pinotage, year on year.


There is welcoming blackberry and mulberry approach to our oak-matured Pinotage that is coupled with a smokiness which creates an attractively complex flavour. The smokiness often represents in tones of coffee and dark chocolate which linger on the palate. Our African Java Pinotage is a full-bodied and smooth wine that will age well.



Award-winning Van Loveren Pinotage

Our African Java Pinotage has used its seductive roast coffee bean aroma and dark chocolate finish to become one of our most award-winning wines:


2022 Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards, Gold

2021 Vitis Vinifera Awards, Gold

2021 Michelangelo Wine Awards, Gold

2019 Michelangelo Wine Awards, Double Gold

2019 Gold Wine Awards, Gold


This African Java Pinotage is not only an award-winning red wine, but is also our most popular wine sold at Van Loveren. In every bottle of this remarkable red wine, it invites you to join in the celebration of its journey. Connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike appreciate the depth, complexity and story that echo in each glass of Van Loveren African Java Pinotage.

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