Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault created in 1925 by Abraham Perold.  It is a required component of “Cape Blends”.  It’s a deep red grape with bramble, mulberry, and earthy flavors with notes of banana and tropical fruit.  Although it is easy to cultivate, it can sometimes develop ester aromas from isoamyl acetate, which can be prevented with cool fermentation.  It commonly is fermented whole cluster press to improve the acidity.  Grapes do well in South Africa due to the “Cape Doctor” south easterly winds that cool the grapes, much like the San Gabriel winds flowing through Southern California.