The two wine cultivars – Cinsaut (previously known as Hermitage) and Pinot Noir – form an integral part of South African wine. In fact, these were the two cultivars that were used to create South Africa’s signature Pinotage 100 years ago. Today, these two cultivars proudly stand on their own, though – thanks to winemakers’ dedication. Still, together with other less common varieties and lighter reds like Grenache Noir and Italian Barbera and Nebbiolo, it’s often overlooked.
Vinimark’s Wine Training and Education Manager, Ginette de Fleuriot says: “The average wine drinker is looking for what they already know, making it less likely that they’ll reach for a variety they haven’t tried before.” Yet, some of the smaller wine categories are seeing incremental growth as those curious about wine become more educated.
If you’d like to educate yourself on the likes of Cinsaut and Pinot Noir, here is a simple explanation and guideline to start with:
Cinsaut: From ‘Poor Man’s Poison’ to Perfection
Cinsaut used to be the most commonly planted grape in South Africa. It is unfussy and thrives in varied climates, often even surviving periods of drought. The varietal fell out of favour in the 70s, with perceptions sinking so low that it became known as the ‘Poor Man’s Poison.’
While it has not breached the R1 million mark in annual sales yet, it seems that this small-scale wine has great potential for sophistication and popularity. According to Allesverloren’s viticulturist, Fanie Malan, “our country’s producers were the ones to revive Chenin Blanc as a single variety in the New World. While Cinsaut is still being overlooked, South African winemakers are in a position to be the ones to champion it.”
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Stick With Pinot Noir and Fall In Love
Pinot Noir is the more popular varietal when it comes to lighter red wines that are too easily overlooked. This grape still has a strong association with its Burgundy origins, even though it is produced in nearly every international winemaking region. Still, through various Pinot Noir festivals and sales at tasting rooms, it continues to gain momentum, proving that wine drinkers are bound to fall in love with it once you pour it into their glass.
A Pairing Party with Cinsaut
A top tier Cinsaut is usually a balanced and elegant wine that pairs exceptionally well with food. It’s also a rather sophisticated wine to include on a wine list. So, whether you choose a Cinsaut from the menu in a restaurant, or whether you host a Cinsaut tasting party, it’s your prerogative.
Not sure where to start? Allesverloren has rebranded its Cinsaut offering as a Heritage Cinsaut, reflecting the gravitas and precision behind its production. It’s an award-winning wine with a higher level of alcohol, made from more mature grapes that create a fuller style. The strong tannic structure of the varietal also allows for the wine to age beautifully.

Let The Right Pinot Noir Lure You In
Pinot Noir brings with it a lighter, more cherried taste on the palate, with a high acidity, lighter colour and lower alcohol. This style of wine is also known for its typicity – its capacity to express the attributes of the terroir in which the grapes are grown.
Nicknamed ‘Elgin Grunt’ by those in the know, Shannon Vineyards’ Pinot Noir, for instance, has noticeable hints of silicon quartz. Similarly, the Newton Johnson’s 2022 vintage reflects this distinct earthiness, highlighting the acidity of sour cherry notes.
Terroir is always something that amazes me. In contrast to the Elgin region’s silicon quartz, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley’s sandstone terroir translates into feminine, subtle and rounded Pinot Noirs like those from Creation Wines and Bosman Family Vineyards.
Alternatively, even the warmer Stellenbosch boasts some stellar Pinot Noirs. While heat can cause a spike in sugar, throwing a lighter red wine off balance, the right winemaker can make a Stellenbosch Pinot Noir stand out with elegance and flair. Spier and David Finlayson have proven as much, producing crisp and balanced Pinot Noirs with a combination of impressive technical talent and expertise in winemaking.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
When it comes to less popular wines like Cinsaut and Pinot Noir, educating yourself on its characteristics and qualities is the first step to getting to know the wine better. Don’t be shy to ask the winemaker about the varietal and enter a conversation about why today’s winemakers are placing so much emphasis on lighter reds like these.
Also, by sampling these wines you will likely be seduced into loving lighter red wines. So, be sure to swirl, sip and swallow Cinsaut and Pinot Noir wherever you can – whether it’s at the wine farm’s tasting room or at off-site wine tastings. This will introduce your palate to the varietals’ elegance. Of course, it’s always a good idea to also pair it with some food, exploring combinations of lesser-known wines and exquisite cuisine.

Here’s to exploring lesser-known wines!
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